Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the commonly ask questions & answers about our practice and policies.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.
MEMBERSHIPS
Why charge a membership fee?
The membership fee allows us to provide primary care and services in an innovative way for a simple, fixed price. This is especially true for things like remote communications—text messages, emails, phone calls, etc. Much like Netflix or a gym membership, it allows members to better budget their healthcare finances; without worrying about extra costs, co-pays and deductibles for routine care.
Why would I pay ‘extra’ fees for health care?
We do not think of our services as “extra”; rather an independent, alternative and better way to do your primary care. Most of our members save money when combining NeuCare with a high-deductible health insurance or medical cost sharing plan. (vs. standard low-deductible/"copay" insurance plans)
Do I have to be a member for primary care or a sick visit? Can I just have a single visit without becoming a member?
For primary care or acute care (illness, injuries), we require patients to be part of a membership plan. If you’d like to come check out our clinic and meet us before joining as a member, we’d be happy to show you around and answer any questions.
With membership plans, are there any contracts or commitments? What if I decide to cancel?
We do not require members to sign any contracts that commit them to a certain period of membership. Memberships are ongoing and open but must be paid ongoing in order to maintain service with us. A minimum of the first month of membership and a registration fee is paid upfront and are non-refundable. If you decide to cancel and have a balance of prepaid membership fees remaining, a pro-rated refund will be given to you based upon date of cancellation.
May I re-start my membership after canceling?
Yes, we do allow for re-enrollment after cancellation, but members will be charged a re-enrollment fee of $200 per member before service can be restarted.
Is this like “concierge” medicine?
A little, but without the high price tag . . . or valet parking! We provide a concierge level of service to all members but try to make things affordable for people of all incomes, with or without insurance.
Does NeuCare accept members with existing medical problems?
Yes. Our memberships (eligibility or fees) are not based upon any existing medical issues or conditions.
Are there any income or health guidelines for becoming a member?
No, we do NOT have any income or health guidelines to become a member. Our fees are the same regardless of income, insurance arrangement, level of health or utilization of our services.
What if I am healthy? and rarely go to the doctor?
That is great! (HIGH FIVE) Our primary focus is to keep members well and avoiding lots of "medical" care. As such, we can dedicate more time to prevention and lifestyle issues to continue to keep you away from the expensive, cumbersome health care system. However, when you do need care, we are available 24/7 to help get you back on track; and avoid trips to ER or urgent care.
Can you provide memberships (virtual visits, etc.) to people “out of state”? residency?
Dr. Neu only has a medical license in the state of Kansas and cannot practice medicine in other states. If a member establishes care (has a visit) in-person, we can provide remote monitoring of issues over phone and internet for some period of time. Ultimately, some care (sick visits, etc.) must be provided in-person and so we do not encourage people to join our practice unless they can reasonably visit us in person should we request.
FEES
Are there any hidden fees?
Nope. We provide most care to members without any fees at all! If we do charge for non-covered services, we always list prices upfront. If we recommend outside services, we try very hard to find you an upfront, reasonable price if paying cash.
What about lab work and other testing?
All members have access to many basic lab and diagnostic testing (cholesterol, diabetes testing, strep, EKG, urine dipstick, etc.) for no charge at all. For non-covered labs, we offer significantly discount wholesale prices -- 50-90% less than insurance based prices. See some of our prices here. If you require labs not listed, you can contact us for pricing of just about anything.
How much does ___________ cost?
We are committed to upfront pricing of all of our services. Our membership plans provide many services without additional fees. Some services do require an additional charge, but those will always be known upfront.
When do I pay my fees for medications, labs, etc.?
For any fees for non-covered services, we expect full payment at time of service for most services, including medications, labs, procedures, etc.
VISITS
What are your regular clinic hours? evenings? weekends?
Currently our regular clinic hours are 9:00a - 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. However, members have access to their provider by phone after-hours and weekends for urgent matters.
Are you a walk-in clinic? Do I need an appointment?
While we can always offer same or next-day to our members (even newbies), we do recommend scheduling all visits.
How long are clinic visits?
As long as you need! Taking into the consideration the number and complexity of medical issues, most of our clinic visits are scheduled for 20-60 minutes.
What if I need outside care? Specialists, diagnostic testing, ER, hospital?
We can order or refer just as any insurance-based doctor can do. For some outside services, we can help find reasonable "cash" prices if you are paying out-of-pocket - especially radiology and lab. We can provide many urgent care and minor emergency services during regular or after-hours (stitches, simple fractures, etc.) that can help people avoid a trip to the ER. However, we do recommend having health insurance in the case of an unexpected, expensive event such as surgery, ER visit or hospitalization.
What type of visits can I do by phone or webcam?
We think of "virtual visits" as a supplement to good primary care - not a replacement for in-person care. Generally if the issue does NOT require a physical exam, a virtual visit is fine. Many chronic issues (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, etc.) can be largely managed by email and virtual visits. However, any issue requiring a physical exam (e.g. coughs, sinus infections, ear infection, new pain, etc.) we will recommend a traditional clinic visit.