Frequently Asked Questions
How does the membership program work?
By creating a smaller patient base within the membership model, Dr. Turgeon is able to focus on each patient and become their partner for all of their health and wellness needs. This includes increased availability and access, and less wait time. You simply purchase a membership and you'll have full access to your medical provider at anytime you need it.
What does the membership fee cover?
The fee covers excellent primary care through office visits, annual wellness exams, basic office procedures, in-office testing, treatment of acute illness and direct access to your doctor via telemedicine, all with minimal wait times in the office.
When do I pay the membership fee?
We offer two payment options: monthly, or annually. You will not be charged until your membership begins. Membership fees are charged on the 1st of each month should you elect to pay monthly.
What are your prices?
Please find a complete list of our prices here.
Is there a sign-up fee to join?
There is no sign-up fee, rather we ask for a minimum of 6 months for each member. Just sign up for the membership, enroll in the easy monthly or annual payment system, and start accessing great care. It’s that simple. Transparency in pricing is one of our tenets.
Does Lighthouse Family Medicine see patients of all ages?
Yes! Our Family Physicians are well-equipped to provide primary care to patients of all ages.
What if I decide to cancel?
There is a minimum enrollment of 6 months if paying monthly, and 12 months if paying annually. If you decide the membership isn’t right for you after your minimum enrollment period, please provide the practice with a 30-day written notice to terminate your contract. We expect to have an open, honest, respectful relationship with you. If you have voiced a complaint that we cannot satisfy together, either party can terminate the membership with notice. We do charge a $200 reinstatement fee should you cancel and then decide to re-join at a later date.
What medical conditions do you care for?
We treat a wide range of acute and chronic health problems. Please see a list of our services here.
What if I need medical attention while I’m away from home?
In the age of telemedicine, many conditions can be diagnosed and treated via a simple conversation by phone or webcam. If appropriate, we will locate the nearest pharmacy and order medication most suited for your circumstance. Many Healthcare systems charge more for telemedicine with a doctor who doesn’t know you – at Lighthouse Family Medicine, you get telemedicine with your doctor at no additional cost.
What if I'm Hospitalized?
Dr. Turgeon will work directly with your doctors should you need to be admitted. She will do everything she can to ensure you recover as quickly as possible.
May I contact my Lighthouse Family Medicine doctor after hours? How?
Absolutely! It’s how we do custom healthcare. If you need care after normal office hours our members can email us, or text their physician’s cell phone number which is provided to members only.
What happens when my provider goes on vacation?
We will have on-call coverage with another Practitioner in the rare case that Dr. Turgeon is out of the office so that if an urgent need arises, you will still get the care you need.
When do I pay my fees for non-covered labs and procedures?
Charges can be added and applied to your preferred method of payment at the time those services are rendered.
Do I still need insurance?
Yes! This is not a replacement for insurance. The membership fee is to sustain our practice model of fewer patients and more accessibility (communication and longer appointments). For our insured patients, the Membership fee was designed to cover the services not typically covered by insurance companies. For patients out-of-network, with Medicare benefits, or cost sharing plans, our fee was designed to provide you with the care you deserve. This allows us to support you in creating health rather than only to treat you when you are sick.
If I have Medicare, can I join as a patient?
Absolutely. However, just like with traditional insurance companies, we work for you. Thus, your monthly membership fee cannot be submitted to Medicare for reimbursement. You may need to sign a waiver that declares that neither you nor Lighthouse Family Medicine will directly bill Medicare for your membership fee with our practice. You can still use Medicare for specialists, labs, medications and services outside of our practice.
Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance will still cover medical costs that you incur outside of Lighthouse Family Medicine. For example, prescriptions that you fill at an outside pharmacy, labs run at an outside lab, hospital charges, physical therapy, x-rays and scans, just to name a few, should be covered at their usual rate. You do not lose your Medicare coverage for other medical needs just because you are a patient of our clinic.
How does the membership fee work with my HSA/FSA?
We recommend that you check with your individual provider/ benefits administrator.
Is a membership tax deductible?
We ask that you check with your accountant/tax advisor.
Will the price change next year?
The membership fee is designed to be affordable for most people, and sustainable for the practice in the long-term. There is a possibility of increased rates at the start of a new year. The practice will notify patients in advance.
Have a question that's not answered here? Give us a call! (907) 357-LITE