What sets LifeMed Clinic apart from other Family Medicine practices?

We offer affordable and quality lifestyle and family medicine services through a direct primary care (DPC) service model. Patients are offered a low monthly membership fee without the hassle of health insurance. For our members, we will always strive to care for you when you want same or next-day appointments. We do this by keeping our membership enrollment limited to a select number of people. Our goal is to educate and empower our patients to make lifestyle changes in a natural and sustainable manner. We are experts in empowering our patients to improve and, in many cases, reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, etc.

Does LifeMed Clinic accept health insurance?

No. A critical distinction is that our clinic does not accept insurance so that we can focus on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. We forgo insurance payments in order to save our patients from the often arbitrary and intrusive decisions that inevitably come with third-party payers. Furthermore, this direct membership arrangement frees us from the typical contractual agreements that prevent physicians from offering wholesale prices on laboratory tests, imaging, and medications to our patients.

What is included in my monthly membership fee?

Your membership includes unlimited in-person and telehealth office visits (including acute primary care and preventive visits). You will have after hours direct access to Dr. Greg Steinke by telephone, email, text or video conference. Quality time with Dr. Greg Steinke with visits usually ranging from 20-60 minutes. You also receive free health education classes, two free introductory wellness coaching sessions, and 50-80% discounts on prescription meds, labs, and imaging.

How do I pay my monthly bill?

Every month you will receive an invoice of your monthly membership fees and any additional charges for outside lab studies, medications, or equipment. You can pay online directly from the invoice. We can also set up an auto charge every month for your membership fees.

Will I still benefit from LifeMed Clinic even if I don’t require frequent medical attention?

Yes, definitely! Everyone benefits from a service tailored directly to them. Our practice is devoted to the maintenance of your good health. To help you reach your wellness goals, we provide wellness coaching, health education classes, and large amounts of precious time given to you as you wish. Every visit will be easy-going in its absolute thoroughness and relaxed in answering your questions and addressing your needs. Then, as the months and years go by, we’ll build a comprehensive and intimate knowledge of your health, an invaluable understanding rarely seen in today’s healthcare model.

As a patient of LifeMed Clinic, will I still need health insurance?

For many people, yes, depending on their financial situation and personal philosophy. While LifeMed Clinic provides affordable routine medical care to people regardless of insurance status, many with health insurance no longer have functioning coverage for routine medical care due to high deductibles, high copays, and high co-insurance scenarios. Thus, for many, health insurance now largely serves as coverage for catastrophic health events as well as those that include major surgery. We recommend that our patients enroll in a medical health insurance plan or medical cost-sharing plan for that reason.

In regard to the tax instituted by the Affordable Care Act in 2014 that penalized people who were uninsured, this was reduced to zero in 2018, for all but a handful of states. Tennessee and the surrounding region was included so currently there is no government penalty for not having health insurance.

Why would I become a patient of LifeMed Clinic if I already have insurance?

We accept all patients (insured, uninsured, etc.). We just don’t bill insurance. Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean won’t have to pay. Deductibles, copays, co-insurance all add up. Most of our patients have insurance and they SAVE money when they join our practice when they visit us 3 or more times per year.

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

In providing comprehensive care with unprecedented access, we strive to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In those instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to serve you during your hospital stay or to work closely with any specialist. 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.

What about referrals, testing or prescriptions?

Nothing changes. Your personal provider at LifeMed Clinic will be able to coordinate appointments, and, to the best of their ability, expedite the waiting time for the visit. When you see a specialist, it will be a conventional visit using your medical insurance or medical cost-sharing plan. We are then able to follow-up with you and your specialist about the visit. Any studies are ordered and set up just like in a regular practice. Your prescriptions go to the same pharmacies you choose. It is that simple and seamless. Lab tests that cannot be completed in our office will be done through a local lab service that we have negotiated reduced pricing with for our patients.

Can children become members of the LifeMed Clinic?

Yes! We are happy to accept children (birth to 21 years of age) of our enrolled patients. At this time, we are not able to provide routine vaccinations for your children but we will happily work with you to arrange these with your local pharmacy or public health department.

Can I contact my physician after hours? And how?

By all means, yes! Because illness and injury do not respect regular clinic hours, you may call or text your physician any day, at any hour for urgencies. Always call 911 for medical emergencies!

What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?

Naturally we provide such care – yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. In the age of telemedicine, many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your present circumstances.

How will I know if LifeMed Clinic will be a good fit for me?

Please schedule a free visit to discuss your needs for healthcare. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what, we trust, will be a long, productive, altogether healthy friendship.

What hospitals do you go to?

You will go to the hospital of your choice. We will then stay in close contact with you and the hospital staff during your hospitalization.

Does my monthly fee apply to my insurance deductible or can it be made tax deductible?

Your monthly fee does not count toward your medical insurance deductible. Some patients have Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts which may allow for your monthly fees to be paid with pre-tax dollars. You should check with your specific plan to find out if this applies.