Membership
Please call (240-892-7070) or email us (info@spcardiology.com) to learn more.
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Are you accepting new members?
Yes. We continue to welcome new members.
Can I receive an initial consultation if I am not a member?
Yes, you can come in for an initial consultation and, if necessary, in-office testing and one follow-up visit (must be completed within 30 days of initial consultation) and then decide if you want to join our practice.
Can I receive a second opinion if I am not a member?
Yes, you can come in for a second opinion and, if necessary, in-office testing (must be completed within 30 days of initial consultation) and then decide if you want to join our practice.
Can I receive diagnostic cardiac testing only (echocardiogram, heart monitors, stress testing) if I am not a member of the practice?
Yes, you would need to provide the order from your physician. Results of the testing are shared directly with your ordering physician who would then discuss them with you.
Why would I join a membership-based practice?
2) You want to partner with your cardiologist to create a cardiac care plan that includes your goals/wishes.
3) You feel that you are being dismissed by healthcare providers because of your active/athlete status or age.
Members pay an annual fee that covers non-clinical, non-covered services. Professional services that are covered by Medicare or a commercial insurance plan will be billed separately by the Practice, and you will continue to be responsible for any applicable co-payments, deductibles, or non-covered medical services relating to those professional clinical services.
Members have access to non-covered Services, including direct communication with Dr. Shah, ease in scheduling appointments, little to no office wait times, appointments that start promptly, and live phone responses without call centers or phone trees. This is in contrast to many patients who experience > 4-week appointment scheduling wait times, only to then experience appointments that start late, run short and feel rushed, with unsatisfying (or no) follow-ups on test results (e.g., a call from someone other than your cardiologist who may not know your medical history or reason for testing).
We do this in part by limiting the size of our practice – eliminating a structural barrier that challenges high volume practices and has contributed to the inconvenient and depersonalized care that has become routine in our healthcare system.
If you want to receive cutting edge, high-quality, personalized cardiovascular care from a nationally recognized cardiologist who will be your advocate, this is your Practice
What type of person typically chooses to be a member?
Members include individuals who want to proactively address and minimize risk factors, those who are looking for preventive cardiology, those with a family history of cardiovascular disease, and/or those with known heart disease.
Our members are adults of all ages, with a broad range of cardiovascular fitness (from recreationally active to Olympic athletes), and from across the country.
How can I learn more?
We offer a complimentary meet-and-greet to assess the mutual fit. You will see our office, meet our staff and meet with Dr. Shah so he can answer any questions about our practice, his vision for your care and our membership model.
Please call (240-892-7070) or email us (info@spcardiology.com) to learn more.
What is provided as part of the Annual Membership Fee?
Please contact us to request the “Services” document for a complete list of benefits provided to our Members. Your Annual Membership Fee pays for non-clinical, non-covered services. Professional services that are covered by Medicare or a commercial insurance plan will be billed separately by the Practice, and you will continue to be responsible for any applicable co-payments, deductibles, or non-covered medical services relating to those professional clinical services.
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What are the benefits of Membership if I plan to see you only once a year?
For your scheduled appointments, you will receive coordinated, convenient care with ease of communicating with the office, little to no wait times, and same day testing (see “Services” document). Dr. Shah will work with you to understand your goals/wishes and personalize your treatment plan to optimize your cardiac risk factors and/or treat your heart disease.
Outside of your scheduled appointments, you can have convenient and regular communication with Dr. Shah by phone or email for routine questions.
While we will work closely with you to keep you healthy, in the event of an unforeseen change in symptoms or status, you will have someone you trust to be there to assess and manage your care. Someone who knows you (and at times, your family) to help coordinate your care, navigate the healthcare system, and be an advocate for you.
Do I still need health insurance if I enroll with you?
Yes. Your Annual Membership Fee pays for the non-clinical, non-covered services that are described in the “Services” document. You are advised to continue your Medicare or other health insurance program coverage.
Will my physician be a ‘Provider’ on my insurance plan?
We participate with Medicare and most major private insurance plans. The Practice will bill your insurance directly for professional services that are covered by those plans. Professional services are not covered by your Annual Membership Fee. If the terms of your insurance plan require a co-payment, the Practice is obligated to request payment at the time of service.
Are you out of network for any insurers?
We do not participate with United Healthcare (UHC). For United Healthcare, we are “out-of-network”. This does not mean that we do not take United Healthcare insurance but instead, we do not allow UHC to set coverage and payment for our services. Many UHC plans have out-of-network coverage and will make payment for services rendered by non-participating providers. If you have this type of coverage, you are likely paying a premium for this out-of-network coverage and should be able to use it.
For those with UHC, we require payment at the time of visit. We supply you with a superbill that you can submit to UHC which may reimburse a portion of your visit fees (this will depend on your specific plan and coverage). By empowering our patients to interact directly with UHC, there will be less confusion regarding service coverage and reimbursements will go directly to the patient rather than to Sports & Performance Cardiology. Many patients remain with our practice despite being out-of-network with UHC given the consistent high-quality care and service that we provide. Patients with UHC and a high-deductible health plan and a tax-advantaged account, like an HSA or FSA, may find that their annual out-of-pocket costs are comparable to seeing an in-network provider.
Will Medicare or my private insurance reimburse my Annual Membership Fee?
The Annual Membership Fee includes services and benefits that are not covered by Medicare (or any other payer) and is not reimbursable by Medicare or your insurance plan.
Is the Annual Membership Fee tax deductible or reimbursable through my HSA of FSA?
You are advised to consult with your HSA or FSA plan administrator, employer, HR representative, or tax adviser.
Please call (240-892-7070) or email us (info@spcardiology.com) to learn more.
Do I need a primary care provider (PCP)?
Yes, we recommend that you have a PCP or internist for your non-cardiovascular care. The management of high blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors have become more nuanced over the years, and we can work in collaboration with your PCP to manage your cardiovascular risk factors and/or heart disease.