FAQ

What is a concierge practice?

Concierge medicine started in 1996 in Seattle. It has gradually moved across the country and is available in St. Louis. Concierge physicians charge an annual fee to join their practice. For that fee, patients receive more personalized attention and service since their physician has a smaller practice. The average doctor cares for 3,000 to 5,000 patients and spends seven minutes with each patient. Dr. Laffey’s practice is capped at 200 individuals and she spends an average of an hour with each patient. Unlike other concierge doctors, Dr. Laffey makes house calls and office visits if the patient requests.

Who would benefit from Gateway Physician?

Many people would benefit from the extra time and attention from their physician, specifically, busy executives who do not have time to deal with phone trees, waiting rooms and other time-taking hassles. Rather than leave the office, a businessperson can call Dr. Laffey directly and be seen when and where it is convenient.

Parents of small children would also benefit. Concierge practice means no sitting in a waiting room full of sick children or having to bring other siblings to the doctor’s office when only one child is ill or needs a checkup. No more struggling to have an adult conversation with children in the room, much less sick children. Dr. Laffey comes to your home and sees your children where they are comfortable. This decreases parent and child stress and allows the children to play so parents can talk effectively and discuss health-care options and concerns.

What about insurance?

Gateway Physician does not bill insurance nor collect co-pays. Patients pay only the annual fee, which covers all contact and visits throughout the year. Your insurance will still cover any additional expenses, such as prescriptions and lab work, depending on your plan.
What is the annual fee?

Is personalized healthcare worth the price of a latte a day? That’s roughly the cost of concierge medicine with Gateway Physician. Please call for pricing 314-707-4280.

Couple and family rates are available. The annual fee is payable either annually or quarterly.

What is included for the annual fee?

All services provided by Gateway Physician are included:
•    Phone conversations (direct phone number provided to your physician)
•    E-mail correspondence
•    Office or home visits
•    Joining patients at specialists’ offices
•    Dietary review
•    Annual checkups
•    Well-woman exams
•    Healthy child exams
•    Prescriptions issued to online and retail pharmacies as well as on paper

Can the annual fee be covered by flexible spending accounts?

Depending on the specifications of your FSA, it is possible that the fee is covered. Your employer’s benefits department can give you more details.