FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is different about this practice?
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of each patient through personalized care that emphasizes prevention and wellness.
We do not believe this mission can adequately be accomplished in the hurried, 15 minute time slots of a traditional primary care office.
Our practice is limited to patients who each pay an annual fee for the AIM4Vitality wellness program, an executive exam and amenities and enhancements to the standard scope of practice of Family Medicine.
How many patients are in the practice?
Our practice size is limited to 600 patients. By contrast, a traditional primary care practice has from 2,000 to 4,000 patients.
Do I still need health insurance?
Yes. Membership with our practice is not a replacement for your health insurance. We work with almost all insurance carriers and Medicare.
Is Medicare Accepted?
Yes. Medicare Part B coverage is accepted for office visits. The Annual Fee covers services that are not reimbursed by Medicare.
What is different about the AIM4Vitality health exam?
This health exam is more comprehensive than a standard Medicare Wellness Exam or standard primary care physical. It includes certain metabolic and diagnostic tests that can establish a baseline of your current health and set a path to future wellness. One of those diagnostic tests measures your aerobic fitness with a state of the art VO2 machine commonly used by elite athletes. VO2 max is the “gold standard” of overall fitness and part of our AIM4Vitality diagnostic exam. We can also evaluate your body metrics with a state of the art 3D scanner that will assess your body shape, measurements, weight, balance, and full body posture, from eyes and ears to feet. It will measure your lean body mass and percent body fat, much better metrics than simply your weight on a scale.
Why is aerobic fitness important?
Significant amounts of research and public health data indicate that low aerobic fitness levels are correlated with an increased risk of premature death from many causes but in particular from cardiovascular disease. Higher aerobic fitness reduces your risk of death even if you’ve already got cancer or heart disease. A study published in JAMA Oncology tracked almost 14,000 men over a period of 38 years. Among men who were healthy at age 65, those whose aerobic fitness test was in the highest 20% had a 55% lower risk of developing lung cancer and a 44% lower risk of developing colorectal cancer when compared to the least-fit 20% of men. The most fit men also had less than half the risk of death from cardiovascular disease when compared to the least fit men
What happens when I have to see a specialist or if I'm hospitalized?
As always, Dr. Trask will recommend you to specialists of excellence on an as needed basis. These appointments are arranged and expedited through our office. If you are admitted to the hospital you will be under the care of a hospitalist. Dr. Trask will visit you (locally) and be available to your hospitalist for consultation.
What is the Annual Fee?
The annual fee is $2500. The annual fee may be paid by check or credit card. Semi-annual payment can be made with credit card. For fees paid by credit card, a 3% processing fee will be added.
Can my flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) cover my membership fee?
Portions of your membership fee may be covered by your FSA or HSA. Contact your program administrator for more information. Some Flex Accounts may reimburse you for the annual fee and we can provide you with a statement of benefits to help with that reimbursement process.
Are family memberships available?
We welcome children of Members over age 13 and up to age 21 (exceptions for those still attending college) at regular fee-for-service rates. Children will not receive the AIM4Vitality program. Typically, children under 13 would best be served by their pediatrician as we will not have all recommended childhood vaccines.
I have frequent house guests from out of town. If they get sick, will you see them?
Yes, just like children of Members, we are happy to see visiting guests and will charge their insurance at regular fee-for-service rates.
What if I wish to withdraw my membership?
You may withdraw your membership for any reason with 30 days written notice. If you have paid for the full annual membership fee, it will be reimbursed to you on a pro-rated basis..
How do I transfer my medical records to Dr. Trask from my current medical provider?
We will provide a patient record transfer form. Simply complete and sign the form and return it to us. We will manage the process for you.
How do I join?
To become a member, call 843.524.2001 or click on the “I want to be a patient” button at the top of our website.