Frequently Asked Questions
What is included with my membership?
Your membership gives you access to all medical visits and services offered at The Good Doc, and a direct link to Dr. Kate Blake for questions or concerns that you have between visits. (see the services page for a more extensive list)
Why do I have to pay a monthly membership fee?
The membership fee covers the cost of care. For the monthly fee, you have unlimited, direct access to Dr. Kate Blake with same or next day appointment availability. The membership allows us to maintain a manageable number of patients, which gives you more time with your doctor in an environment where you will have time to be heard.
Spacing membership fees out to monthly payments allows members to better budget their healthcare finances; without worrying about co-pays, deductibles or extra costs.
Additionally, a portion of our revenues are directed towards care for those who are not able to afford a membership. We believe that access to a doctor shouldn't be restricted only those with jobs or income that can provide it.
What about extra fees?
Most of what we do is included in the membership. Extra fees may be assessed for:
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Prescriptions- Dr. Kate Blake can dispense most descriptions for up to 90% less than the insurance price at the pharmacy
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Labs- Lab pricing has been negotiated to a very low price and only necessary tests will be recommended.
All outside referrals have been well thought through with your care in mind, and we have tried to make arrangements with imaging centers and specialists to provide you the best prices available. We work our hardest to avoid any kind of unexpected fees for our members!
Do I need insurance?
While we do not accept any kind of insurance plan payments, we do strongly recommend that you carry some type of medical insurance for unexpected expenses. Many members can get a high deductible type insurance plan to have for emergencies.
Do you accept Medicare patients?
Beginning August 1, 2022, we will begin accepting patients who receive Medicare. There is no membership fee associated with these patients due to Medicare regulations. We will bill Medicare as a traditional fee-for-service type of practice.
Can I use my FSA/HSA to pay for my membership?
We recommend that you discuss the specifics of your FSA/HSA with your employer or the FSA/HSA administrator.
What happens if I have a medical emergency, am hospitalized, or need to see a specialist?
In case of a true emergency, you should not hesitate to go to your closest emergency room. We will coordinate follow up care from the ER or with the hospitalist if you are admitted. All of these providers will bill you separately, which is why we recommend that you do carry health insurance.
We have coordinated with trusted specialists to provide our patients reasonable cash-pay treatments. If you require specialist treatment, we can work directly with the specialist to ensure you receive the treatment/diagnosis you need for a reasonable cost. If necessary, insurance may also be used for specialist treatments.
Do you treat depression/anxiety, ADHD, chronic pain, or prescribe controlled substances?
As a primary care physician, Dr. Kate Blake does treat all of these conditions on a regular basis to the best of her skill level. She prescribe medications as well as lifestyle modalities for depression/anxiety/ADHD/chronic pain and she refers out to therapists frequently. However, Dr. Kate Blake is not specially trained in pain management, and does not prescribe long term opiates/narcotics. Therefore, if this is necessary, she would have to refer you out to a pain management specialist. If you are seeking a physician who will prescribe a particular pain medication for you then this may not be the right practice for you.