Attention all Medicare patients,
As of August 1, 2024 we changed to Medicare Concierge. We sent out newsletters and emails and anyone who called in to start a new physical therapy evaluation/plan of care with us had to make that decision then. Many of you may have been informed of this change.
If you had started a physical therapy case prior to August 1, 2024 we were letting you wait until November 1, 2024 to transition to Medicare Concierge. Most patients are in therapy for 1-3 months so many of our clients will have transitioned to home programs or personal training or wellness programs at this point.
As of November 1, 2024 all Medicare patients will need to transition to our Medicare Concierge or decide to seek your therapy elsewhere. Let me explain what this is, what is included, why we need to pivot to this model and what the cost is.
Our team has always been committed to providing the highest-quality care to all our patients, and while navigating the constraints of Medicare and insurance companies has been challenging, we don’t plan on lowering our standards.
Over the years, the landscape for health care providers has become increasingly difficult, mainly due to outdated reimbursement rates that haven’t kept pace with the needs of a modern practice. Medicare, as it stands, reimburses at rates set back in the 1990s, which significantly limits the number of Medicare patients most practices can feasibly support.
This has left many in my field with only two difficult options: Stop accepting Medicare patients entirely, or have one therapist see 3–4 patients at a time. The common solutions aren’t ideal and, honestly, aren’t even an option for me. I believe each patient should be able to use their Medicare insurance AND have quality care.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the frustration many face when needing physical therapy — lengthy wait times and rushed sessions that are not conducive to healing. That’s why I’m introducing a Medicare Concierge Membership program designed to address these challenges.
The premise of our Medicare Concierge Membership is simple: use of Medicare insurance for what Medicare covers AND a monthly membership fee provides Medicare patients not only their necessary treatment sessions one-on-one with a licensed therapist but also additional services Medicare does not cover. This model allows us to offer more comprehensive care, focusing on the whole person rather than just the specific ailment they came in for.
Here’s what members can expect:
- One-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist ensuring each patient receives undivided attention and care (we don’t overlap your appointments with other patients or double book like many other clinics in our area).
- Quick and direct communication with the PT team, with guaranteed responses within 48 business hours
- A full body strength and flexibility assessment, balance screening, posture, cardio assessment in addition to your initial physical therapy evaluation. We will give you a full body work out to start doing separately if you want to keep your entire body moving. Schedule this 40 min visit with your PTA to help set up your full body personal training program.
- Exclusive discounts on additional cash services like massage therapy, regenerative medicine treatments, and our fitness classes/personal training
- Ability to check out assistive devices from our library of equipment at no charge
- Access to Dr. Penrose’s eat for joint inflammation mini course (2 weeks) and exercise videos for the entire body
This approach does more than just treat a condition; it enhances overall health and ensures each patient is seen as a whole person with unique needs and goals. We will still bill Medicare for the physical therapy services Medicare covers and deems medically necessary and you will receive the additional perks and one on one treatment with the membership. While the membership requires a fee, it’s a worthy investment for those who value comprehensive and accessible health care with undivided attention from a licensed therapist.
You will still need to pay co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance as usual. It doesn’t matter if you have Medicare/Tricare or Medicare/Regence etc. This affects all Medicare plans. Medicare does allow us to charge a concierge fee provided it is for “fitness” “wellness” or “prevention” which is what our fee is for. You may check their website: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/concierge-care.
Implementing this program wasn’t a decision we made lightly. Honestly, there was no way we could continue as we were before. That’s why so many clinics have already shifted away from accepting Medicare patients or compromised care quality due to financial pressures. We want to offer an alternative that keeps care accessible and personal.
I understand this is a significant shift from traditional care models. That’s why we offer the first evaluation without committing to a membership, allowing potential members to experience the difference firsthand before deciding.
Navigating these changes in health care is like climbing a mountain. It requires preparation, endurance, and the courage to forge new paths. I am committed to this journey because I believe in providing the best possible care, and I invite our community to join us as we innovate in the face of adversity. Together, we can redefine what it means to support health and wellness for everyone, regardless of age or insurance.
Currently the Medicare Concierge price is $250 a month OR $50 at each visit. If you are coming 2x a week then the monthly membership is more economical. If you are once a week or will be gone for some weeks in a row then the pay as you go at $50 per visit is the best option.
Please feel free to schedule a time to talk to Tianna, Operations Manager if you have any other questions regarding this change.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Penrose, DPT, OCS, MTC & the Penrose Team
