Frequently Asked Questions
Concierge-Style Primary Care Questions:
General Questions:
Q: What is concierge primary care? A: Concierge primary care is a membership-based healthcare model that provides patients with direct access to their physician, longer appointments, same-day or next-day visits, and a more personalized approach to healthcare.
Q: How is concierge medicine different from traditional primary care? A: Unlike traditional practices, concierge medicine offers enhanced access to your doctor, including 24/7 availability, longer visits, and a focus on preventive care. It operates on a membership basis, allowing for a more patient-centered experience.
Q: Do you accept insurance? A: Yes. The membership fee pays for the MDVIP Annual Wellness Program. All other services run through insurance reimbursements.
Q: What does the membership fee cover? A: The membership fees covers the MDVIP Annual Wellness Program. Please refer to the Services section for more information on what that entails.
Q: What are the advantages for patients? A: Advantages include extended appointment times, direct physician access via phone, text, or email, same-day or next-day appointments, annual wellness exams, chronic disease management, and preventive care planning.
Appointments & Access:
Q: How do I schedule an appointment? A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during business hours.
Q: What if I have an urgent medical concern after hours? A: As a concierge patient, you have 24/7 direct access to your physician. You can call or text for urgent medical concerns anytime.
Q: Do you offer same-day or next-day appointments? A: Yes! One of the key benefits of our concierge practice is priority scheduling, meaning you can usually get same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs.
Q: Can I have virtual or telemedicine visits? A: Absolutely. We offer telemedicine visits via phone or video call for convenience when an in-person visit isn’t necessary.
Membership & Costs:
Q: How much does a membership cost? A: Our membership fees are currently $2,100 per year. This can be paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
Q: Is there a contract or long-term commitment? A: Yes. However, you may cancel and get a pro-rated refund for the remainder of the year if you have not received your MDVIP Annual Wellness Program since the anniversary date of your sign-up date.
Q: Can my insurance reimburse my membership fee? A: Most insurance plans do not cover concierge membership fees. However, you may use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for your membership in some cases.
Q: What healthcare services are NOT included in my membership fee? A: Your membership fee pays for the MDVIP Annual Wellness Program with the associated diagnostic tests and lab work. All other office visits, diagnostic tests, and lab work are not covered as part of the MDVIP membership. Most patients choose to pay for these services through their insurance.
Care & Services:
Q: What types of medical services do you provide? A: We provide comprehensive primary care, including preventive care, chronic disease management, wellness screenings, and coordination with specialists as needed.
Q: Can I still see specialists if I join your concierge practice? A: Yes, we will coordinate with specialists and provide referrals as needed. We work with your insurance plan to ensure continuity of care.
Q: Do you offer lab work and diagnostic testing? A: Yes, we provide in-office diagnostic testing and draw blood for lab work as needed.
Q: Do you handle prescription refills? A: Yes! We provide convenient prescription management and refills. Just contact our office, and we’ll take care of it promptly.
Q: What happens if I am hospitalized? A: As your primary care provider, Dr. Tirmal will communicate with the hospital staff and advocate on your behalf. However, Dr. Tirmal does not treat patients in the hospital.
Aesthetic Treatment Questions:
AquaFirmeXs Questions:
Q: What is AquaFirmeXS? A: AquaFirmeXS is a unique treatment to help revitalize your skin and scalp. The AquaFirmeXS utilized our proprietary plant-based serums to help support the skin and boost scalp health. The serums are specifically curated to address a variety of concerns.
Q: What makes AquaFirmeXS unique? A: AquaFirmeXS is unique because of our proprietary plant-based serums. They are derived from ancient ayurvedic principles and brought into fruition with modern technology. The serums are specifically formulated from an organic blend of plant secretory factors that have been extensively studied over 20 + years and are specifically designed to correspond to your specific wellness needs.
Q: What are the different types of serums that can help my skincare routine? CLARIFY - Helps remove impurities from the skin to prepare it for the penetration of additional serums VIVIFY - Helps brighten and even out the facial complexion DETOX - Helps reduce inflammatory pollutants, while reducing free radicals and increase antioxidants, restoring the skin’s healthy balance. DEFY – Uses the most advanced scientifically developed defenses against inflammation, this solution fights the appearance of premature aging. BRIGHT GEL - Enhances skin brightness, reduces the appearance of uneven skin tone and pigmentation caused by sun damage. FRESH GEL - Revitalizes skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an overall improved skin tone. EXO|E SKIN REVITALIZING COMPLEX - A complete set of active plant based secretory factors and the latest bio-based, patented technology for modern skincare. Patients appreciate enhanced aesthetic results.
Q: Can I combine the different serums? A: Absolutely! Combining multiple serums maximizes the benefits of this treatment. We suggest beginning each session with CLARIFY to deeply cleanse and exfoliate, preparing your skin to fully absorb the nourishing properties of the following serums. This tailored approach allows your provider to select the perfect combination of serums to address your specific skincare needs.
Q: What serum can support my scalp and hair? The DE|RIVE HAIR SUPPORT SERUM is specifically formulated and ideal for scalp and hair health. Comprised of a consortium of plant-cell factors that have been proven to affect hair. The serum can be applied to the scalp in-office and may also be applied at home, morning and night, to provide continuous support. DE|RIVE helps decrease inflammation and increase hydration & blood flow to the area. The serum also aids in the removal of dead cells from around the follicles.
Q: What is the DE|RIVE & AquaFirmeXS treatment like? A: The AquaFirmeXS treatment for scalp and hair health combines our DETOX serum to detoxify and balance the scalp, followed by an in-office application of DE|RIVE using the AquaFirmeXS ULTRA (ultrasound) handpiece to apply the serum to the scalp area. Typically, 4-6 treatments are recommended 3-4 weeks apart. Ask your provider for the best treatment option for you.
Q: How many treatments are required? A: The process is completely non-invasive and can be applied safely on all skin types. AquaFirmeXS can give an immediate natural glow and true radiance to the skin. However, a series of one to three treatments may be needed to achieve optimum results. The effects of each treatment will continue to improve.
Q: What is the recovery time? A: As soon as your treatment is complete you are free to resume your normal daily activities. There is no downtime with an AquaFirmeXS treatment.
Q: Why choose AquaFirmeXS? Optimized treatment that complements your skincare routine. Proprietary serums that correspond to your skin's needs. Unique exfoliation technique to enhance your skin. Customizable treatments based on your goals. 100% Natural & Hormone Free. Complete solution to address hair, scalp, and skin wellness.
Scarlet SRF Questions:
Q: How does the Scarlet SRF treatment work? A: Scarlet SRF uses micro-needle radio frequency (RF) technology to remodel collagen production and elastin fiber in skin. The heat from the RF produces new collagen and elastin fibers, improves skin tightening and texture of skin.
Q: What does Scarlet SRF treat? A: Scarlet SRF targets scalp skin tightening, face skin tightening and lifting, double chin, neck and body skin tightening. Recently, Short pulse RF technology of Scarlet was clinically proven to improve rosacea, acne vulgaris, melisma, and mottled telangiectasia. Scarlet improves common issues such as skin texture, pores, photo-aging, scars, and striae.
Q: What does it feel like? A: With a numbed face, the treatment feels like little more than light pressure to the face, with most patients report experiencing little to no pain. The micro-needles are extremely thin and work with gentle pressure for maximum comfort.
Q: How many treatments are required? A: Scarlet treatment delivers results in a single treatment for most patients. More treatments give more results. We recommend 3 treatments to maximize skin rejuvenation.
Q: How long does a treatment take? A: Scarlet takes about 20 minutes for the face and 10 minutes for the neck. The time needed for a body treatment depends on the size and condition of the area to be treated.
Q: How is Scarlet SRF treatment for different skin types? A: Scarlet is safe and works on all skin types.
Q: Is there any special preparation or follow-up regimen? A: No. Scarlet treatment doesn’t need any special preparation or follow-up regimen. Basic skin care and sunscreen is enough for aftercare. Since Scarlet procedure has little to no downtime, most patients return to their regular activities immediately following treatment. Rosacea patients exhibit a temporary redness or minor swelling after treatment, but this usually goes away within 24 to 72 hours.
Q: When do the results appear, and how long do they last? A: Visible tightening results come immediately, and the results of dermal remodeling appear over time in the course of new collagen, elastin fibers regenesis and vascular rejuvenation. For most patients, measurable results appear gradually in 2 to 3 months. The results can last 6 months to a year following a single treatment, depending on your skin condition and aging process.