Frequently Asked Questions

I already pay for health insurance; why should I pay more for this?

Primary care practices that accept insurance are driven to jam-pack their schedules with patients, resulting in rushed appointments, long wait times, lack of access, and an overall reactive approach to healthcare.

Your annual membership fee affords you a very different experience from what you would receive in an insurance-based primary care practice, including convenient same or next day appointments and longer appointment times. I am able to invest more time in keeping you healthy and coordinating your care.

How is this different?

You should see and feel the difference immediately. Internal Medicine Associates of Cincinnati offers a calm and inviting reception free of hustle and bustle. You will experience a very short, if any, wait time. Your office visit will not feel rushed. You will have the time to address all of your health concerns and questions. Because my practice is limited to a much smaller pool of patients, I can take the extra time for a more proactive approach to your health.

Can I come and meet you?

Prior to joining Internal Medicine Associates of Cincinnati, you are welcome to schedule a consultation or meet-and-greet. This is a bilateral interview. It allows both of us to share our expectations and determine whether this practice is a good fit. Medical advice and/or medication prescriptions will not be provided.

Do you take my insurance?

Yes and No. We will not bill your insurance for the care provided in our office. You will not pay any additional co-payments, co-insurances, or deductibles for care we provide through our office. You may talk to your health insurance plan advisor about potential reimbursement options for the annual membership fee. We can provide an invoice of services provided when needed.

Do I still need health insurance?

YES. Your membership fee covers time with me, but you still need health insurance to cover all other medical expenses including medications, blood work, imaging, specialists, and hospitalization.

Does it matter that you are not in my insurance network?

For the most insurance companies, no. Most companies do not require one’s primary care physician to be in-network in order to cover referrals or ordered tests. Because we do not accept any form of insurance, we are considered out-of-network by all insurances.

What if i need to go to the hospital?

If you need to go to the hospital, we will not be the one admitting you or directing your care. However, starting with the physician in the emergency room and extending to the hospitalists if you are admitted, we will talk with the people in charge of your care to make sure they are aware of your medical background, to double check the plan, and to advocate for you, in general. I am currently a staff physician at The Christ Hospital and Mercy Hospital Anderson.

What is included in your fees?

Your membership fee includes an evidence-based comprehensive annual physical, wellness exams, work-related biometric screening exams, routine and acute illness visits and chronic disease management, email/text/phone communications with Dr. Piersma as well as direct physician-to-physician communication with your other doctors and specialists. Most in-office procedures are also included.

What is not included in your fees?

Your membership fee does not cover other medical services that you may require. This is not a health insurance plan. We assume that you are insured by a health insurance plan that may cover your lab visits, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, hospitalizations, specialist visits, and medications.

What are your fees?

Current member pricing is $2200 for people 46 years old and older and $1800 for people 45 years old and under. New member pricing is $2200 annually for all ages.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for these services?

At this time, Internal Medicine Associates of Cincinnati does not accept payment of membership fees through HSA or FSA programs. However, you may wish to discuss reimbursement options with your individual insurance plan or advisor. Some private insurance plans do allow reimbursement.

What is your cancellation / refund policy?

Because of the effort involved in on-boarding a patient, including reviewing all of your records and setting aside time for your physical or other visits, we cannot provide any refunds. Extenuating circumstances that may arise will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Have a question?