I have heard about "retainer" practices, but I'm not sure I understand how they work. Can you describe the model?
Dr. Lansdale opened his new practice in November 2005 after being employed by GBMC since 1993. His former practice was therefore owned by the hospital. The new practice is a small, independent, solo internal medicine practice which emphasizes personalized care of each patient’s unique medical and health concerns, longer and unhurried visits, same day sick visits, and 24/7 access to Dr. Lansdale by phone.
Dr. Lansdale does not participate with any insurance plans, including Medicare. The only charge to the patient is a reasonable annual fee which covers all of Dr. Lansdale’s services. No additional bills are rendered to the patient, no matter how often that patient receives medical attention.
I already have good medical insurance. Why should I pay extra to join this practice?
Even people with excellent medical insurance often find themselves frustrated by difficulties getting same-day or convenient appointment times; they may feel rushed in the doctor’s invariably hectic schedule; they may perceive that the doctor is too busy to fully engage in understanding and solving their medical problems.
In addition to having the benefit of Dr. Lansdale’s twenty-plus years’ experience as a clinician and medical educator, patients are assured of the fact that neither they nor their doctor have to cope with the time constraints typical of a traditional primary care practice. Their medical issues, no matter how complex, will receive Dr. Lansdale’s full and on-going attention.
Dr. Lansdale welcomes phone calls which may help prevent a simple illness or injury from developing into a bigger problem, and all patients are encouraged to communicate with the office by email for scheduling issues and non-urgent concerns.
I’m covered by Medicare. Can I still see Dr. Lansdale?
Yes. Dr. Lansdale has opted out of Medicare, which means that he does not participate in Medicare’s programs. This does NOT mean, however, that he cannot care for Medicare patients, nor does it mean that Medicare patients must forfeit their coverage by Medicare. It simply means that neither he, nor Medicare patients, may bill Medicare for his services. Medicare patients sign a waiver acknowledging that they agree to a private relationship with Dr. Lansdale. The patient’s Medicare coverage still applies to other doctors, hospitals and Medicare-covered services.
Is this actually a new type of medical insurance plan? Do I have to give up my private medical insurance?
No. Although the practice does not participate in any medical insurance plans, it represents a private relationship with each patient, in which all medical care is provided without the restrictions and frustrations associated with insurance companies, billing complexities and paperwork. We all need good medical insurance in the event we need to be hospitalized, require surgery or other expensive procedures, or undergo lab testing, xrays, etc.
My insurance plan requires that I have a PCP (Primary Care Provider). Can I still join the practice?
Because Dr. Lansdale does not participate in any insurance plans, he is not listed in any insurance provider panels, and therefore cannot act as the patient’s PCP for insurance purposes. You may still join the practice, as long as you understand that for purposes of referrals and approvals required by your insurance plan, another doctor in that plan must act as your “PCP.”
I participate in a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). Assuming I join the practice, can I submit bills to my insurance company for my own reimbursement?
Yes. While you are responsible for the annual fee, you may submit bills (which we will provide to you) to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. As you have already paid your annual fee, and as the practice is not affiliated with any insurance plans, that potential reimbursement is yours to keep. For insurance purposes, Dr. Lansdale is considered an “out of network” physician. Reimbursement levels are determined by your particular policy and may be subject to an annual deductible.
I have a Flex Spending Plan or Medical Savings Account through my employer. Can I access that for the annual professional fee?
In many cases, yes. Check with your plan administrator. By using pre-tax dollars designated for medical expenditures, many of our patients find that these plans may reduce their out-of-pocket costs by as much as 30 to 40%.
Which forms of payment does the office accept?
The office does not accept credit cards. We accept personal checks only. Payment in full is due at the end of the initial and subsequent annual comprehensive examinations.
I have children who have outgrown their pediatrician. Will Dr. Lansdale see them?
Yes, Dr. Lansdale sees young adults 18 years of age or older. For patients aged 18 through their 24th year, the annual fee is reduced by half, if at least one parent is a patient in the practice.
How can I reach Dr. Lansdale off hours, on weekends, and holidays? Is there an answering service? What if he’s out of town?
Dr. Lansdale is available by phone to his patients 24 hours a day. There is no answering service. If patients call when the office is closed, they have the option of leaving a message for routine matters. If patients need to speak with Dr. Lansdale regarding a clinical issue, their call will be forwarded directly to Dr. Lansdale’s cell phone, which he carries at all times. If Dr. Lansdale is out of town or on vacation, he is covered by an excellent Board-Certified GBMC internist.
What if I'm hospitalized? Will Dr. Lansdale take care of me in the hospital?
Dr. Lansdale is on the active medical staff at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. He does not retain privileges at other area hospitals. Dr. Lansdale uses the GBMC “hospitalist” service, a program which he designed and developed during his tenure as Chairman of Medicine at GBMC. He trained and/or recruited most of the hospitalists (hospital-based internists) at GBMC. These Board-Certified internists have superb credentials and experience, and care for the majority of hospitalized patients on the Medical Service at GBMC. Although the hospitalists will be the attending physicians of record for Dr. Lansdale’s inpatients, they will work hand-in-hand with Dr. Lansdale in terms of decision-making, use of specialists, etc. Dr. Lansdale will supervise and be responsible for all issues pertaining to the care of his hospitalized patients, and will make rounds in the hospital at least once daily, and more frequently if indicated.