1. What services are provided as a part of my annual fee?

Please see the Highlights and Details page for a complete list of offerings and amenities.

2. What is the mission of LWMA?     

I strive to provide the highest quality medical care, emphasizing a proactive, comprehensive approach to disease prevention and health management.  I want my patients to be completely satisfied with every aspect of their care.

3. How is the practice different?    

I will be in the office 5 days per week and schedule only 6-8 patients each day.  This means that appointments will start promptly and I  spend more time with you.  I want to be your health advocate.  My staff and I will assist you in scheduling all testing outside our office, and I will assist you in coordinating care with hospitals and specialists,

4. Which hospitals do you go to?  

I am an attending physician on staff at Evanston, Glenbrook, Skokie and Highland Park Hospitals.  If you are hospitalized, I serve as your attending physician and advocate for your care.

5. Where is your office located?   

My office is at 806 Central Ave., Suite 204, Highland Park, IL 60035.

6. Who will cover for you when you are not available?     

My goal is to be available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There will be infrequent occasions when I am out of town or otherwise unavailable.  In these situations, Barry Goldberg, MD or another qualified concierge physician, will serve as my covering physician.

7. Do I still need health insurance if I enroll with you?    

Yes.  My new medical practice will not take the place of general health insurance coverage.  My practice is a primary care medical practice, not a health insurance program.  You are advised to continue your HSA, PPO, Medicare or other insurance program.

8. Will my insurance still be billed for my office visits?      

I have elected not to participate as an in-network provider for any commercial health insurance plans.   As an out-of-network provider, as a courtesy; we will submit your office visit charges directly to your insurance company.  After insurance has been billed you will be responsible for the remaining balance.  Office visit charges, with the exception of your annual physical and wellness exam, are not included in your LWMA annual fee.

9. Will you still be a Participating Provider for Medicare?    

Yes.  My status with Medicare will be unchanged.  I will continue to bill Medicare as well as your supplemental insurer on your behalf, as required by law

10. Do you bill Medicare for the LWMA annual fee?    

No.  The annual fee only includes services that are NOT covered by Medicare (or any other payor) and, as such, cannot be paid for or reimbursed by Medicare.  I will bill Medicare for your sick visits and for any additional services performed at my practice that ARE covered by Medicare.  The annual wellness exam is included in your annual fee as well as many other amenities listed in the Highlights and Details.  (*Please see exception for “Welcome to Medicare” one-time physical exam in Highlights and Details.)

11. Will my private insurance reimburse my LWMA annual fee?    

It is unlikely that this service will be reimbursable.  However, some Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account plans may pay for all or part of the annual fee.  Members are advised to consult their human resources representative at their place of employment, or their FSA or HSA plan managers.                                                

12. Is the annual fee tax deductible?     

The fee is a medical expense and may be deductible.  Patients are advised to consult with their tax consultant to clarify qualification in their particular circumstance.

13. What about lab, x-ray, specialists’ fees and hospitalization?    

Your annual fee pays for membership in the practice, for your annual wellness exam and for many other amenities listed on the “Highlights & Details” page.  All other procedures and services not performed in my office will be billed by the performing entity.

14. What if I have an emergency?     

If you have a life threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.  After you call 911, please call me.  I will assist in the coordination of your emergency care thereafter.  Patients are asked to contact me before going to any urgent care facility and at any time of the day or night.  I will attempt to address urgent after-hours problems directly. 

15. What if I become ill while traveling or away on an extended vacation?    

Call 911 if you have a life threatening emergency.  Then call me.  Call me first if the problem is minor.  With the exception of a few controlled substances, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country.  If necessary, it may be possible for me to find you a resource where you are for care.  If you seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center out of our area, I request that you have the doctor seeing you call me for coordination.  I will be readily available for phone consultation with you and/or other health care personnel.  If you should require hospitalization while away, at your request I will attempt to establish daily phone communication with you and your attending physician(s) to ensure continuity of care.  Don’t forget to bring your electronic medical information with you whenever you travel!

16. What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?    

As always, my patients are free to see any specialist they wish.  I am available to help you decide which specialists to see and to coordinate such consultations.  In this way the most appropriate resource is used, the earliest arrangements are made, and your applicable medical information is sent in advance of your specialist visit. 

17. Will I be required to pay my annual fee even if I do not use your services?    

Yes.  Paying your annual fee allows you to be a member of the practice whether you are sick or well.  However my practice is not an insurance company and does not cover the medical services you receive.  I strongly encourage you to utilize the amenities offered, including your annual wellness exam, regardless of your state of health.  

18. What happens if I move out of the area after I enroll?    

If you move and wish to secure a new primary care physician, the annual fee will be refunded on a pro-rated basis.  However, once the annual wellness exam has been completed, there will be no refund.  A copy of your records will be sent to your new physician upon receipt of a signed release.  This release of records is required by law. 

19. Can I wait and enroll in LWMA later?    

By design, my practice is a membership practice with a limited enrollment.  Once that enrollment limit is reached, a waiting list will be established.  Every effort will be made to accommodate interested patients, but the enrollment limit must be honored in order to continue to provide the highest standard of personalized care and service to all LWMA patients. 

20. What are Dr. Belsky’s credentials?    

See the Our Team page to learn more about Dr. Belsky's background and credentials