Q: What kind of practice is Access Healthcare?
A: Access Healthcare is a patient-focused primary care doctor's office specializing in Family Medicine. We treat patients with urgent care issues, such as sore throats, cuts and burns as well as what we describe as continuity care - chronic problems, things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression.
Q: How is Access Healthcare different from other Family Practices?
A: We are different in that we have created a relaxed, comfortable environment in which to be seen. Each practice is limited to 400 patients in order to ensure easier access to your physician in the way of same day appointments, more face-to-face time with the physician, extended office hours, and night and weekend availability.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Our mission is to re-establish long-lasting relationships with our patients, and as such, we work only for our patients and do not contract with any health insurance plans. It is our strong belief that the chaos of our current healthcare system stems from the triangulation between the patient, physician and the health insurance company.
Q: Can I still be seen there if I have insurance?
A: Of course, the majority of our patients have insurance. We provide you with an itemized receipt which you may submit for out-of-network reimbursement from your health insurance.
Q: How does this affect my laboratory or radiology studies?
A: On behalf of our patients, our preferred vendors will bill your health insurance directly just as you would experience in other Family Practices. For our Gold and Platinum patients, we provide an annual laboratory and radiology benefit.
Q: What happens if I need a referral to a specialist or need to be admitted to the hospital?
A: It is business as usual if you need to be seen outside of our office. We will coordinate your referrals, and you will continue to use your health insurance for specialist visits and hospital stays. Our physicians have privileges at Roper Hospital and East Cooper Hospital. They admit through and work closely with the Hospitalist programs at each location. During your hospital stay, you will be followed by your dedicated hospital Internist.
Q: So, how much does it cost?
A: Our membership plans range from $100-$200 per month and vary depending on your preventative goals, medical needs, and how well you are insured. Please visit our services page to learn more about each plan.
Q: Who are your patients?
A: Our patients tend to be of the following groups:
1. Those that are consumer-directed (i.e. have no insurance or have high-deductible plans) and are interested in keeping the cost of their primary care down.
2. Those who are frustrated with the hassles and inefficiencies of traditional doctor's offices.
3. Those that desire a more one-on-one approach to their healthcare and who see advantages to the more intimate environment that our office offers.
Q: Is their parking at the office?
A: Yes. While parking is more ample at our Mt. Pleasant office, we do offer parking at both offices.
Q: What are your hours?
A: The name Access was derived from the mission to make physicians more accessible to patients. Accordingly, we have typical doctor's office hours from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during the week and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. However, for our established patients, we are also available around the clock via telephone to arrange for after hours care or house calls.
