A Note from Miguel: A personal note and practice updates - Going Hybrid
It’s been a while, so I wanted to fill you in on what’s been going on behind the scenes, and some exciting news.
If you didn’t know, I’ve been working as an independent contractor performing telehealth assessments for another organization to supplement my income while building Blue Zone Health and Wellness. A few weeks ago, that contract was unexpectedly put on hold and I was given two weeks’ notice.
I’ll be honest – it forced me to take a hard look at my practice model, and sometimes getting the rug pulled from underneath you is exactly what you need.
As you know, I've held off on accepting insurance.
I was concerned about credentialing, costs, paperwork, and administrative burdens taking time from patient care, but losing my income made me step back and ask myself a couple of questions:
1) Do I want to continue doing this as a side hustle or eventually transition to a full-time practice?
2) How many patients have I had to turn away because I wasn’t in-network with their insurance?
That Friday, I had a phone call with someone interested in becoming a patient, and I had to turn them away because of my insurance situation. That was the answer to both questions.
So here’s the update: Blue Zone Health and Wellness is going hybrid.
I’m in the process of finalizing three contracts in the coming weeks, with additional insurance companies pending.
Accepting insurance doesn't mean giving up the concierge model – it means I can offer both.
Patients can use insurance for all covered services, office visits, labs, certain medications, and still have the option to pay cash for non-covered concierge services. Insurance covers medical diagnoses and symptoms. The concierge side covers wellness services.
Flexibility for the patient, and a broader reach for me.
To my current/active patients: You’re grandfathered into the concierge program at no additional out-of-pocket cost. Once I'm set up in the payor systems, we can simply bill your insurance for office visits, and you’ll continue receiving the same concierge support you’ve had since the beginning. The only thing that might apply is a copay if your plan requires one. We’ll talk more at your next visit, or feel free to reach out through Spruce anytime.
On the morning of my last day of that telehealth contract, just before starting my shift, I read this message from one of my patients:
That reminded me of why I started this in the first place, and talk about perfect timing.
I needed that message that day.
I’ve updated my website to reflect the changes, and I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think.
Right now, I’m accepting cash-pay patients only. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a patient and would like to use insurance, here is the direct link to pre-register: https://www.optimantra.com/optimus/patient/patientaccess/prospects?pid=RkVTd3JscjNDZ1NITnJNSmZNamsxdz09
Pre-registering locks in your priority scheduling as soon as your plan goes active on my side.
I’m excited for this.
Be well,
Miguel
