ABOUT US

One of the main problems with modern primary care is that doctors are compensated based on the number of patients they see and how much “care” they render. The typical employed family doctor sees 20-40 patients a day and has a patient panel size of 2,400-4,000 patients. Because of this, appointments are limited to 10 minutes or less of actual face time During these brief visits, you are only allowed to address one or two issues, as addressing more takes longer and is fiscally inefficient.

This might make sense from a business perspective, but the doctor-patient relationship is first and foremost a relationship, not a “business.” And an effective relationship requires time and access. At Vinetree Health, we limit our patient panel size to 400-600 patients and will typically see only 4-8 patients per day, allowing for longer appointments. We are also able to schedule same- or next-day appointments, sometimes outside of business hours or on weekends and holidays. Furthermore, we are able to make house calls or meet you at a convenient location if needed. Communication, whether by phone, text, chat, or email, is solely and directly addressed by your doctor. Many simple matters for which other practices might require an in-person visit may be handled merely by a short phone call or televisit. All of this is possible because of a lower patient volume and a closer, more intimate rapport between you and your doctor.

An effective doctor-patient relationship is no good if one can’t afford it. Unfortunately, healthcare in this country is expensive, because the healthcare system is driven by money and profit. Doctors who work in traditional offices are routinely pushed to offer more tests and medications, ostensibly to increase “value” but primarily to increase profits for the business. At Vinetree Health, we have decoupled monetary compensation from medical care. There is no financial incentive for us to only see patients on certain insurance plans or to order more tests or medications. You pay a flat monthly fee, regardless if you have a cough or congestive heart failure. Labs, imaging studies, and procedures are either included with the monthly fee or offered at market prices that can be more than 10 times less than insurance-based prices. Common medications can be prescribed for pennies on the dollar. We do not bill your insurance company for additional compensation. By removing greed and profit from the doctor-patient relationship, we are able to provide care that is actually necessary and reasonably affordable for the average patient. This applies to you whether you are insured or not!

Ever wonder why some pay hundreds for a visit while others pay nothing? Or why you have a balance with your doctor’s office and can’t be seen? How much should you REALLY be paying for that CT or MRI? The process of billing and paying for medical services in the U.S. is so convoluted and complicated that it makes one want to move to Canada or Mexico! Many patients are afraid to see a doctor because of the potential expense and inability to know the cost upfront. At Vinetree Health, we do not bill your insurance company for basic care and services, eliminating confusing bills and EOB letters from your insurance company. Prices for outside services, such as labs and imaging studies, are negotiated to affordable, out-of-pocket rates and are clearly presented to you before ordering the service.