Question 1

What is this practice all about?

Accepted Answer

We are the only practice in the state that integrates comprehensive, naturopathic and conventional medicine while foregoing insurance reimbursement or fee-for-service payments. In this model, your affordable monthly or annual fee allows you to get personalized, unhurried, excellent health care.

Question 2

Is this "concierge medicine?"

Accepted Answer

Well, not exactly.  “Concierge medicine” generally describes a practice with very small patient panel and a very high price.  Our goal is not to fly to Europe with you to meet with your German orthopedic surgeon!  We believe that excellent heath care should be available to everyone, not only the uber wealthy. We provide timely, individualized care for a moderate number of patients – small enough to know everyone well, but large enough to care for a sizable hunk of our community.  Most would call this “direct primary care.”

Question 3

So, what is "direct primary care?"

Accepted Answer

The idea is that you pay our for your medical care directly, rather than relying on a complicated reimbursement system organized by a third party payer – your insurance company.  Insurance companies are incentivized to limit payments, and this leads most physicians to see as many patients as possible in as little time as possible. When you pay us directly, we can do what matters most to you: provide truly excellent care.

Question 4

My employer pays for me to have Hawaii-mandated comprehensive insurance, which covers office visits. Why should I have to pay you a fee, too?

Accepted Answer

We get that most people don’t like paying “extra” for something. However, we can not possibly provide the quality of care we think everyone deserves at the reimbursement rates mandated by insurance companies.  And to have a combination of both conventional and naturopathic medicine available to every patient is far beyond the scope of a traditional practice.  We think that our fees — which are less than many people pay for their cell phone bill, or a daily visit to the cafe— are a reasonable price for having a level of health care that greatly exceeds that of a typical medical office.

Question 5

I'm healthy and rarely see a doctor. Why should I pay a retainer for something I rarely need?

Accepted Answer

First of all, we strongly believe that the foundations of good health must be nurtured from early on — or poor health in later years is the certain result.  Fortunately, by addressing possible cracks in the foundation now, whether they be genetic, environmental, or lifestyle in nature, you’ll probably feel a lot better, too!  Also, when you do need a doctor, for a new problem or sudden illness, you’ll have someone who already knows you well, and is quickly available.  We think it’s worth it!

Question 6

I see there is a major emphasis on health and wellness. Does this mean you can't help me if I have serious medical problems?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Dr. Suber and Dr. Baird have both been in practice for over two decades, and have cared for many very ill patients.  In fact, we think we have a great deal to offer those with some of the most serious chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune illnesses, and cancer, among others.  Caring, competent, and comprehensive care is our goal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What is this practice all about?

Is this "concierge medicine?"

So, what is "direct primary care?"

My employer pays for me to have Hawaii-mandated comprehensive insurance, which covers office visits. Why should I have to pay you a fee, too?

I'm healthy and rarely see a doctor. Why should I pay a retainer for something I rarely need?

I see there is a major emphasis on health and wellness. Does this mean you can't help me if I have serious medical problems?

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