Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find a list of the questions which are commonly asked by clients of Vantage Physicians Direct Medical Practice / Concierge Practice. If your questions are not found in this list, please contact us and we will be happy to answer them for you!
“How is Vantage Physicians any different from the healthcare I’m getting now?”
Your personal Vantage Physician provides the same type of care (family care, primary care, geriatric care) you would receive in any primary care office but with longer more personal visits (30-90 minutes) to address all your concerns. In addition you will be able to contact your doctor by email or after-hours paging. Many of the minor healthcare concerns that now require you to see your doctor could be taken care of over the phone or email saving you time, hassle, and money. If necessary, your doctor will visit you in your home, the hospital or a nursing home. For all this your membership fee will be considered payment in full!
“How do I pay?”
You may pay yearly, quarterly, or monthly. For your convenience, we accept Visa and MasterCard. If you choose to pay monthly or quarterly, we will arrange convenient automatic deductions from your debit card, credit card, checking or savings account. A non-refundable 3 month commitment is required for all new patients. For those patients who wish to pay annually, you will receive a 5% discount at time of payment.
“Will I have to pay a co-pay?”
No. You will never have a bill from us other than your membership fee.
Do I need insurance?”
We do not require insurance. We do, however, strongly encourage all of our members to have and maintain such coverage for services and care that is not provided by your physician.
“Can I still participate if I have Medicare?”
Yes. Because we have “opted out” of Medicare, there is no barrier to a contractual relationship with us.
Are lab, x-ray, hospital care or services provided by other physicians or specialists covered?”
Only those services provided by your Vantage Physician are covered by the membership fee. All other healthcare services would be billed by those separate entities. Lab services in our office are provided by Pac Lab. We will forward your insurance information to them for direct billing.
“Can my membership fee be reimbursed by my insurance carrier?”
At this time, insurance plans consider this fee to be a non-covered service and not reimbursable. However, your pre-tax medical savings account monies may be used. Membership fees may also be deducted from your itemized taxes. Please consult your employer or tax advisor for more information.
“How do I reach my doctor?”
Your doctor is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week simply by dialing our main office number at (360) 438-1161. Phone calls are returned the same day. You may also reach your physician via email at ekk@vantagephysicians.net for Dr. Kershisnik or rsr@vantagephysicians.net for Dr. Ritchie. Emails are returned within 2 business days.
What happens if my doctor is out of town or otherwise unavailable?”
Your physician may take a certain amount of time out of the office for vacation and continuing medical education. Your Vantage Physician will coordinate schedules to ensure that your access to a physician is uninterrupted.
“Can I see my physician whenever or wherever?”
Our concierge service means that doctors can visit you to provide care in your home, the hospital or a nursing home in the Olympia area at the doctor’s discretion. Your personal Vantage Physician is in the unique position to work with you directly to arrange or provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“What do I do if I need a prescription refill?”
Please allow 48 business hours for refills, for local pharmacies, we will fill medications up to 4 days prior to its due date.
If you have refills remaining on your medication, call your pharmacy. This is the most efficient way to get your refill.
If you have no refills remaining, you can contact your pharmacy or the office.
If your pharmacy states they have not heard from us within 24 business hours, please contact the office, we do not want you to go without your medication and there may have been a miscommunication.
If you use a mail order pharmacy, it can take up to a month to get your first supply of medication, and 2 weeks for refills.
For controlled substances, like pain medications (Vicodin), or ADD medications (Ritalin), these prescriptions need to be picked up during regular office hours. Again we prefer 48 hours’ notice and will write RX these prescriptions up to 4 days in advance.
Dr. Ritchie is out of the office on Tuesdays and Dr. Kershisnik is out of the office on Thursday. It is not uncommon for them to leave early in the afternoon for house calls or to visit patients in the hospital. We do not want you to be stuck without your medication. This is why we ask for 48 hours’ notice.
“What if I no longer wish to be a member?”
You may cancel your membership in our practice at any time after 90 days. Membership is always voluntary. Because any money you paid in advance is kept in escrow, the money is readily available for a prompt refund.