Frequently Asked Questions

How does Zarate Medical differ from other practices in the area?

 

What is concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine is essentially a fee for service model that is a form of medical practice that caters to a select population of individuals who insist on the highest caliber of medical service. Started in the mid-nineties, this type of practice returns the forgotten art of prioritizing patient comfort to contemporary times. It returns control of healthcare to the patient and their doctor. Concierge physicians charge a fixed annual fee for primary medical services. The fee is not covered by your insurance or Medicare.

Concierge medicine is recognized by the American Medical Association, the Society of Innovative Medical Practice Design and by various state medical boards in which you find these practices. Like all concierge medical practices, Zarate Medical is not a health
insurance entity.

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How does Zarate Medical differ from other practices in the area?

We believe that access to your personal physician is integral to your continued good health. Unlike most primary care practices in our area that carry heavy loads of patient numbers, we limit our enrollment via membership. Because we see a fraction of the load of traditional practices, we are able to offer our members unique benefits rarely found in surrounding medical settings. Your membership includes direct access to the physician, convenient appointments, service at your office or home when necessary differentiate Zarate Medical from the regional norm.

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Will a pre-existing medical condition exclude me from joining the Zarate Medical Program?

Absolutely not! Your first visit will include extensive interviewing for your medical history. Records can be obtained from previous centers of care, and will be used in creating your personal medical folder. From there on, Zarate Medical will serve your primary and preventative health needs, enlisting the consultations of specialists if needed.

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What if am diagnosed with a long term illness?

Dr. Zarate serves as your healthcare advocate by consulting specialists if necessary, as well as personally researching your condition. We assist you in locating expert treatment options, and provide guidance for utilizing the existing healthcare system for
your needs. We will also help you navigate though the maze of our current healthcare options to keep your costs low.

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Why do you only accept limited numbers of patients each year?

This is done to ensure physician attention to detail and personal focus for all of our members.

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If I have full access to my physician, what happens when my physician is on holiday?

Dr. Zarate will always have his phone and/or computer when on vacation. In the event you need to be seen and he is out of town, just call, all hospital care can be arranged and any specialist briefed for your specific needs. Rest assure you will be seen by a trusted physician working closely with Dr. Zarate.

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What health insurance plans does Zarate Medical accept?

You won’t need your insurance plans to receive Zarate Medical services, as all services are provided under our membership fees. We request that you continue to use your insurance for costs associated with labs, imaging, medications, specialists, and hospital
treatment, which are not covered in our monthly fees. Because we don’t participate with any insurance companies, we are considered “out-of-network” for all plans. There are no deductibles and no co-payments with our membership, one flat fee for the year covers all your care from Dr. Zarate. Many patients are discovering that a Health Savings Account (HSA) is the perfect option for this type of medical care and are finding that it can offset a portion of the costs for our membership. Your financial advisor or insurance broker can help you decide if an HSA will be best or ask our staff for more information.

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Are specialist fees covered?

Zarate Medical will be the liaison between members and specialists that may be required for optimal care. This will include personally discussing your situation with the appropriate specialist, scheduling your appointment, and coordinating further care if needed. Dr. Zarate will talk to you in depth about any procedures or diagnosis, and develop an appropriate personal action plan for you. Specialists are not part of Zarate Medical, and thus have their own fees. If you should require hospitalization, Dr. Zarate will check in with you daily. As your healthcare advocate, he will optimize your care by working closely with hospital staff and coordinating care with specialists on a daily basis.

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What if I have a medical emergency?

The Zarate Medical Program is not a substitute for calling 911 in the event of a medical emergency. However, please notify Dr. Zarate as soon as possible so he can assist if necessary in coordinating your medical care with the local emergency medical team. For any emergency do not delay, call 911 for help.

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Is the Zarate Medical membership fee tax deductible?

Joining the Zarate Medical Program may be tax deductible. The membership fee may be reimbursed through group health plans pursuant to Sections 105 and 106 of the Internal Revenue Code, cafeteria plans under Section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), and health savings accounts (HSAs). Please consult your tax advisor for specific guidelines regarding your individual situation.

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What are your membership costs to join the Zarate Medical Program?

Membership in the Zarate Medical Program is limited in order to ensure personal attention. Membership payment options are flexible, depending on individual needs. The individual annual fee is $1800 if paid in full. If paid over time, the fee is $475 quarterly and $175 per month due on the 15th of the preceding month. Family plan for 2 is $3500 Family Plan for 3 $5100, family plan for 4 $6600. We also offer and encourage small business or corporate rates. Corporate rates $1375/per person (5-10 members) $1250/per person (11-25 members) call for a quote for more than 25 members. Please refer to our fee schedule for further details.

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Is there any financial penalty for ending membership?

There is never any long term obligation to remain under our care. Members at Zarate Medical may terminate membership at any time, please refer to the agreement document for further details. We only want what is best for our patients, if you choose other avenues for your healthcare that is fine. We also want members who want to be here and are committed to improving their health and who appreciate the premium care and service they receive. Also remember, if you move we can still be available to offer medical care and services.

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What is the next step if I wish to join the practice?

Simply call 888-544-8445 and schedule a no-cost, no-obligation get acquainted visit. Come and see our office, meet Dr. Zarate, and the rest of our staff, discuss your health history and your specific needs with Dr. Zarate, and then we can jointly determine if our services would be a good match for you.

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What is included in the Zarate Medical Program?

• Our Comprehensive Annual Exam:
• Physical includes: private physician consultation, basic blood assay (CBC & Chemistry panel), urinalysis,12 lead EKG, simple chest x-ray, screening for high cholesterol, diabetes.
• Body fat analysis
• Same day or next day appointments
• Private cell phone access to Dr. Zarate, including weekends and holidays
• Secured and confidential email access to Dr. Zarate for scheduling requests or
non-emergency medical advice
• Facilitated referrals to specialists
• Time to focus on whatever you choose to discuss with the doctor
• Personal health summary on a wallet-sized mini-CD ROM that contains medical information for your own records or when traveling that can be vital to specialists or emergency staff
• Limited membership to ensure personal attention

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How is the Zarate Medical Inc. Comprehensive Annual Exam different from the annual physical provided by my insurance?

• The Zarate Medical Comprehensive Annual Exam is a preventive examination that is significantly broader than the physical that may be covered by insurance. Your comprehensive annual exam is the cornerstone of our program. Dr. Zarate conducts a cardiovascular assessment with an electrocardiogram and body fat analysis and more. We can offer a visit with a certified nutritionist if necessary for your care. This can also be requested for individuals that want to develop a strategy for weight management. Dr. Zarate can also help you create a diet and exercise plan that will help you meet your overall fitness goals. Now located at the newly built First Street Medical Plaza with plenty of free parking. We offer a relaxed atmosphere, un-hurried office visits. Our office has state of the art equipment and office décor unlike any other doctor’s office.
• Pharmacy services and x-ray available on site.

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