What is Coho Medical Group?

It’s a Direct Primary Care Practice. Our doctors are Diplomats of the American Board of Internal Medicine. The difference between traditional primary care offices or concierge practices and our direct primary care practice is that you have the option to use your insurance…or not! Without the expense of multiple staff members to comply with large volumes of patients, we can devote all of our time and attention to what really matters – your health.  

Wait, you do both? I can choose to use insurance or not? 

Yes! This is an important point. Our model of care focuses on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. It should be your choice. For those who need to visit the doctor once per year, a well-check with insurance may make sense. For those who want to be able to reach their doctor 24/7/365 via cell phone or text, a flat monthly subscription may make sense. Another thing to keep in mind, is that we offer deeply reduced prices on laboratory tests, radiological imaging, certain medications, and other services resulting in huge savings for our membership patients. 

Will I still need Health Insurance if I opt for the Membership Model?

Yes. We recommend that at a minimum, patients should have at least a catastrophic health plan to cover hospitalizations and Emergency Room visits.  Another highly recommended option is to carry  a major high-deductible medical plan with a health savings account, thereby ensuring financial stability should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary. We’re happy to help you navigate the insurance market. While we recommend one of the above insurance options, we realize it is not financially feasible for some patients and the membership plan may be their best option. 

Enough already, if I opt for a Membership Model, how much will it cost?

Simple.

No sign up fee, cancellation fee, or fees of any kind. No Copays or EOBs. We require an initial 3-month trial and need 30 days written notice to cancel the membership.  

No fees at all? And what about contract terms? 

You may cancel once and sign up again but if this happens repeatedly we’ll need to talk. 

There are no cancellation fees. We require 30 days written notice to cancel the membership and if this overlaps with your billing date you will be prorated for the additional days. You may cancel once and sign up again but if this happens repeatedly we’ll need to talk.  

Well, if I want to use insurance will you accept my plan? 

Please call our office to be sure or check on your insurance website to see if we’re in network providers for you. Currently, we accept most major medical plans in the state of Washington. We accept Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, Aetna, Health Net, Cigna and First Choice of Washington. 

What happens if I need to go to a hospital or specialist? 

Thanks to 24/7 access to us, we truly believe we can reduce the likelihood of you having to go to the emergency room or be hospitalized. However, in instances where hospitalization is required, we will certainly continue to serve you by communicating with you and your hospital physicians and working closely with any specialist you need to see. Previously, we managed an entire group of inpatient hospitalists and we’re very familiar with the inpatient environment. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment. But we’ll be in close contact.

Can I contact my physician after hours? Weekends? 

Yes. If absolutely necessary please do! Because illness and injury do not respect regular office hours, you may call your physician any day, any time. Membership patients will have their doctor’s cell phone for text/email cell access. Traditional medical insurance users will be able to call the office after hours to get in touch with the physician via the answering service.

Can you explain the discounted Medicine and Labs?

Surprise, surprise – In most states, including Washington, it’s completely legal for a licensed physician to dispense medicine directly to his/her patients. Since we’re allowed to purchase medications wholesale for pennies on the dollar. We can supply many common medications for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and others, at a low cost. For example, a month’s supply of some blood pressure medications can be supplied for less than $1. A similar situation exists for most of the common laboratory tests we advise getting. We have negotiated the discount for you. You will know the cost of all medications and all labs up front. We have zero incentive to steer you toward using us. If you prefer your local pharmacy or mail order service, no problem, we can fax/e-prescribe/call in/or hand write you a script. If you’re spending even $20 a month on generic medications, and we can get you the same medications for $3, it’s your call who you want to use. We’re just trying to pass our benefits directly to you.

Will you share any of my information? 

No, we can keep a secret! We maintain your health record in compliance with HIPAA. In other words, no one sees it unless you ok it.

Does Coho Medical Group see children?

Not yet. Being board certified in Internal Medicine, we’re trained to see adults. However, we’re actively talking with a few stellar pediatricians to offer Direct Care to your entire family. 

Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid? 

Our practice currently accepts all insurance out of network, but specialized in Direct Primary Care. 

What is the bottom line?

Under the current health care climate, most people will never meet their deductible. It is to your benefit to keep your medical costs as low as possible. We believe in almost all cases, use of our services will reduce your out of pocket expenses compared with other traditional practice models. That stated, if you want to use your traditional medical insurance, we completely understand that. Think of us as your regular primary care office. We’re Board Certified Internal Medicine physicians with years of experience. One difference, though, our office is probably nicer!