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What does Legacy Health provide that I can’t get in the conventional healthcare setting?

Most of our patients have chosen us because of our experience and expertise in integrative and functional medicine approaches to gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. Others realize that their chronic non-GI health problem probably started in their gut, so Legacy Health is a logical place to begin their quest for optimal health. Many find holistic methods, which address the whole person (body, mind, and soul), the most sensible approach to healthcare. At Legacy Health, we embrace continuous learning and staying up-to-date on new advances in integrative and functional medicine, and then use that knowledge to treat your whole person—soul, mind, and body.

 

How am I billed? 

The cost of any services provided by Legacy Health, which are not included in the initial contracted fees, will be billed to you directly and are due at the time of service. 

 

Lab tests may be covered by your health insurance plan per that plan’s rules.

 

Why doesn’t Legacy Health accept insurance?

We have chosen not to bill insurance directly for the following reasons:

When clinics bill insurance companies directly, the doctors are required to become participating providers. The doctors must sign a contract that allows the insurance company to determine which services they will and will not provide, and how much they can charge for those services. In general, insurance companies are not focused on many preventive or wellness services. They are heavily invested in the conventional model of health care that too often relies on 7-10 minute office visits, drugs and surgery. We are committed to the functional medicine model that addresses the underlying causes of your symptoms with specific nutritional and lifestyle recommendations with the goal of preventing or decreasing the need for medications and surgery.

 

A participating provider must agree to accept the fees the insurance company establishes, regardless of whether the fees are reasonable or applicable to that practice. In general, these established fees cover the actual cost of the briefest (and we believe the lowest quality) care. Doctors who are participating providers are required to accept discounted fees for their services. Therefore, the clinic must write off the difference, often as much as fifty percent or more of the doctorʼs fee for service. Most doctors and clinics cope with the requirements of being participating providers by keeping their office visits very brief, so that they can see as many patients as possible within a given timeframe. We believe you deserve more time with the physician and Care Team.

 

Ironically, some of our patients complain about their extremely brief office visits in other medical practices, while at the same time expressing frustration that we do not accept insurance. Unfortunately, we have found that we cannot stay in the insurance networks and provide the time-intensive, well-researched, expert care that you will get at Legacy Health.

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What does it cost?

Initial consultation with Dr. Jerby is $499. Initial visit with our Nurse Practitioner (NP), Susan Jerby, is $399.  After the initial visit and labs (if necessary), Dr. Jerby (or our NP, depending on whom you choose to see) will review your overall case and make recommendations for initiating your healing process. We work very hard to help you achieve what you want and need: True healing! True healing takes time and commitment. True healing is much more than a medication prescription that might help a few symptoms but doesn't address the underlying cause of the symptoms. True healing, in some cases, takes close monitoring of your progress and minor adjustments in the treatment protocol all along the way. In other cases, less monitoring is necessary. We tailor your care to your individual and personalized needs. Some people need more care and others need less--there is not one-size-fits-all treatment protocol.

 

Can I use my HSA or FSA account?

Yes, in some cases you may use your HSA or FSA. Please check with your HR department to be sure.

 

What should I expect at the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is approximately 50-60 minutes. However, prior to that visit Dr. Jerby, Susan, and the Care Team will spend a significant amount of time reviewing the extensive intake forms provided on the patient portal. Therefore it is imperative that you complete these forms at least 7 days prior to your appointment. 

 

During your initial visit, our providers will spend time with you so that they can uncover even more clues about the root cause of your health problem. Labs and testing may be recommended and ordered based on your individual needs. Follow up appointments will be necessary to discuss test results and for optimal treatment results. These visits are necessary to continually adjust your treatment based on your body’s individual response to the treatment. Follow up appointments may be completed via secure video for your convenience, if desired.

 

Are labs and supplements included?

Labs and supplements are not included since everyone’s needs are so different. We order only the labs that are necessary in your particular case in an effort to keep costs down. Many labs are covered by insurance, but some specialty labs are not. 

 

In many cases, supplements are recommended during the therapeutic portion of your healthcare. However, the goal for health maintenance will be for “food to be thy medicine.” If supplements are part of the treatment protocol, they will be prescribed for a specific amount of time as directed by research recommendations. 

 

What should I do prior to the initial consultation?

To get the most value from the initial consultation complete the online intake forms at least 7 days in advance. Bring or upload to your portal, any pertinent medical records, test results, and current medications/supplements. 

 

Does Dr. Jerby perform colonoscopy?

Yes. He provides colonic evaluation for his patients if indicated. If this is performed as a diagnostic procedure, the cost is greatly discounted.

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Do you do "virtual appointments"?

Yes, but please note the limitations. In order to establish a doctor/patient relationship with us, you must see us in our office in person at least once per year. Then we are able to continue your care through telehealth/virtual visits, if it is more convenient for you.

If you do not see us in our office in person at least once each year, there will not be a doctor/patient relationship between us and you. Instead, our virtual communications with you will be for education only. These virtual communications are termed “Consult Only”. The services we provide to you will consist of information and suggestions that are intended to assist you and your health care provider in using integrative/functional methods to support your health. Consult Only services are not intended to serve as a medical diagnosis or treatment of any kind.

Our fees for telehealth/virtual services are the same as the fees that we charge for our in-person visits. Please note that medical insurance does not cover telehealth/virtual services. You will be responsible for paying for all telehealth/virtual services at the time of service. We do not refund any amounts paid for telehealth/virtual services.

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