Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Patient Portal
What is a patient portal?
A patient portal is a website that provides direct access to the medical information recorded in your Forward Focus patient chart and any results we get.
How do I set up the Forward Focus Patient Portal?
Once you become a patient, you will receive an e-mail from Forward Focus Patient Portal to set up your account. We will activate your account for you. All instructions can be found on our website or by clicking this link to access a PDF guide. Please be sure to follow instructions carefully before contacting our office with any questions.
Can I request medication refills, request/make appointments and message my doctor through the portal?
The portal is just for you to view your test results and your medical records.
Can I upload my results into MyChart?
You can download your records from our portal. However, to upload them into MyChart, you will need to contact the facility that manages MyChart to confirm if they allow uploading of external records.
Will I be able to view my past and upcoming appointments?
Yes. Any past appointments and upcoming appointments are viewable in the Forward Focus patient portal.
What records will I be able to view in the Forward Focus Patient Portal?
Lab results conducted at Forward Focus. Test results from outside facilities that Forward Focus received. Consult notes from other physicians that Forward Focus receives.
Can I pay my bills through the portal?
The portal is just for you to view your test results and your medical records.
Is the Forward Focus Patient Portal secure?
Yes, the portal is designed with robust security measures to protect your personal health information.
How do I get technical support for issues with my Patient Portal?
If you are experiencing any technical difficulties with your Patient Portal, confirm you are using an internet-enabled device with the most up-to-date version of one of the following browsers: Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. Contact our Patient Services staff - Lake Forest: Christy, Stephanie, or Mel | Northfield: Michelle or Lisa - with any unresolved issues.
General Membership
How much is the annual fee?
Please contact one of our offices directly (Lake Forest: 847-234-8100 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.