Concierge

Dear Valued Patient,

I am writing to inform you of an important and exciting update regarding the future of my medical practice.

As of January 6, 2025 I will be switching to a Concierge or Direct-Pay model.
For those of you who are not familiar with this practice model, it is a highly personalized approach that will be limited to a small number of patientsʼ on a first come first served basis.
The primary reasons for switching to this practice model has everything to do with the increasing time constraints that now exist in a patient physician relationship; 3% yearly Medicare cuts, significant reduced physician reimbursement from insurance providers, inflation, and overhead costs.
And most recently on February 21st, Change Healthcare, a major medical billing clearinghouse experienced a cyber attack that resulted in a nationwide outage that affected my practice, along with thousands of doctors. For nearly 3 months all our health claims/payments were withheld from being processed and were never fully reimbursed, affecting our operational costs/payment; I took a significant loss. This forced me to reevaluate the current traditional model and bypass the feeling of helplessness and not allow myself to be at the mercy of insurance companies.
As my practice has expanded, I find it increasingly challenging to dedicate the necessary time to provide the personalized attention that every patient deserves and expects. I will now be able to address your healthcare needs in a way that previously was difficult, if not impossible to do.

My goal has always been to provide my patients with a very high level of personal attention, and time in order to ensure your questions and concerns are addressed and you leave my office satisfied with a clear plan and understanding of the next steps.

In my current large practice, I am finding it increasingly difficult to offer that level of service. Insurance plan regulations greatly restrict the time I can dedicate to any one individual patient and how I practice medicine. I want to spend more time with my patients and allow them the opportunity to schedule with me sooner if necessary, and that will require me to change my practice model.

This Concierge personalized approach to medical care has been shown to be a better way for doctors, wishing to offer a more patient centered experience by eliminating the rush of a packed schedule in favor of a more personal dedicated time with each patient.

What does this mean for you as my patient and as a member of my “ECA Concierge” practice, you can expect:

• Longer, unhurried and more relaxed appointments, to address all of your healthcare concerns, thoroughly and comprehensively.
• Less wait times for any medical concerns, either in office or over the phone at your convenience.
• Brief or NO office wait times so you can get on with your day.
• Fast and direct communication about lab work and diagnostic test for your peace of mind.
• Direct physician to physician, communication and coordination with all your medical specialists.
• NO charge Executive Physical exams that will include focusing on your mental, physical health, and longevity. Including an
• Electrocardiogram and Pap smear for females if required (a separate visit for this is no longer needed). Physical exams can be scheduled at your convenience on any day with each new calendar year.
• Personalized wellness plans and proactive health assessments to promote your overall well-being. Reducing the likelihood of emergency room visits/hospitalizations.
• Expedited paperwork and requests for referrals, prescription medications, and work related forms.
• NO CHARGE for no-shows, same day cancellations, or requested forms/letters.
• Coordinating your hospital admission care with the hospitalist who may be caring for you at Huntington Health (Huntington Hospital)
• Care will be provided solely by Dr. Alvarado and or covering physician when needed, Not a Nurse Practitioner.

This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary to ensure that I can continue to provide you with the highest level of personalized care and the attention that you deserve.

I understand that this change and conversion may raise questions. Nevertheless, rest assured that my highly dedicated staff and I will address any concerns you may have. Your continuity of care and well-being are my top priorities, and I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and physician referrals, to all my patients who do not wish to join the ECA Concierge Model.

ECA Membership Fees:

A.      Initially this offer will be extended exclusively to my current patients, and will be filled on a first come first served basis. We will maintain a waiting list for any potential openings in the future.

B. The annual fee must be Paid in Full upon completion of the patient agreement
contract. The annual fee for patients is the following:

– Per patient $2000 ($166/month)
-Couples/Partners offered a discounted rate $ 3600 ($300/month)

*Contact office for Family Bundle Pricing*
*Care Credit Financing Available*

C.     Membership will include a monthly 15% discount towards any single item for the following:

– Prolon Weight Loss/ Anti Aging product
– Botox
– PRP shoulder or Knee injection
– PRP Hair Regrowth
– PRP facial
– Rapid IV infusion therapy

While your membership fee will address a substantial portion of your primary care needs, its crucial for you and your family to maintain a medical insurance policy. This policy should cover medical cost outside the scope of your membership, including, but not limited to, hospitalizations, specialist services, diagnostic test, and prescription drugs

For those patients not joining the Concierge membership, we will ensure you transition over the next 90 days with physician referrals, continued medical care, and any prescription refills required. If you have any urgent issues, emergencies, or difficulty during this transition, please reach out to my office staff and inform them of your predicament. If you’ve been seen at my practice within the past 12 months, I will be able to assist you to assure your safety and best health. If you have not been seen within the last 12 months by either me or the nurse practitioner, and have an urgent matter, we will do our best to help you connect with a new provider and/or refer you to the urgent care if warranted.

D.     For patients NOT JOINING the ECA Concierge membership, and are still interested or requiring the following services:

– Knee Arthritis hyaluronic acid injections
– PRP Shoulder or Knee injections
– Aesthetic procedures, including Botox, PRP hair regrowth or PRP facials
– Rapid IV infusion therapy services

You will not be subject to a concierge membership fee but are still required to have a Primary care Doctor for your medical care needs.

If you have any questions or need further information about the “ECA Concierge” medicine model, feel free to reach out to my office directly at 626-584-0026, email us at ecaoffice@ecamdinc.com, or visit our new company website at WWW.ECAMDINC.COM. to enroll, inquire about financing options, and/or learn more.

Thank you for entrusting me with your healthcare needs; I value our patient-doctor relationship and look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional medical care.

Warm regards,

Elisa C. Alvarado, MD