Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Membership
How much is the annual fee?
Please contact one of our offices directly (Lake Forest: 847-234-1800 or Northfield: 224-255-5600) or by completing the inquiry form to learn more about the concierge membership fee.
Do you offer a family discount?
Members under 40 receive a reduced fee. Couples receive a 10% discount. Member’s dependents age 26 and under are charged a nominal fee.
Is the annual concierge fee tax deductible?
This fee may very well be tax deductible. Patients are advised to consult with their tax consultant to clarify qualification in their particular circumstance.
Does the annual fee cover the entire annual exam?
Yes, the annual fee covers your annual exam, standard lab testing and an EKG.
What age patients are seen at Forward Focus?
We accept patients who are 16 years of age and older.
What is the process for becoming a member?
- Review doctor’s profiles on website according to the office location of your choice.
- Call appropriate office to schedule a “Meet & Greet” with the physician.
- Once a decision is made, complete a new patient packet.
- Office will contact you to schedule a clinical appointment with your doctor.
What is a Meet & Greet?
A Meet & Greet is a 30-minute visit with your prospective physician. The purpose of the visit is to determine whether the physician you meet with is a good fit. It is a big picture snapshot of your needs & expectations as well as the doctor’s medical care philosophy.
When I become a new patient, can you access my medical records at Northwestern and/or Endeavor?
Yes.
Once I have chosen a physician, can I see other physicians in the practice as needed?
Since one of the benefits of a concierge practice is establishing a close personal relationship with your physician, you will exclusively be cared for by your physician of choice.
What if my doctor is on vacation?
Your doctor will always be available to manage your medical needs. If your doctor determines that you need to be seen in the office in their absence an alternate physician will be provided.
Office Location
Can I utilize the Lake Forest and Northfield offices for labs, physicals, or office visits?
Building meaningful relationships with our patients is of the utmost importance to us, therefore all of your primary care medical needs will be met at your chosen doctor’s location.
Insurance
Do I pay for office visits beyond the comprehensive annual medical examination?
For non-Medicare patients, yes, you will be charged a standard $30 office visit fee. This payment will be collected at the time of the visit. There are no further co-pays required. For Medicare patients, no, you will not be charged, the office visit fee will be billed directly to Medicare.
Will my private insurance reimburse my annual concierge fee?
Sometimes Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts may be used to pay for all or part of the annual fee. Members are advised to consult their human resources representative at their place of employment, or their FSA or HSA plan managers.
Do you bill insurance for the comprehensive annual medical examination?
Insurance covers an annual physical examination, so each year that you come to the office for a comprehensive physical exam, a credit for the amount that insurance reimburses will be applied to the next year’s membership fee.