Welcome to Lighthouse Foot and Ankle in Scarborough, Maine! I'm Dr. Michele Kurlanski, and I'm excited to share the many advantages of being a direct care, direct pay podiatrist who doesn't participate with insurance. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, we prioritize delivering personalized, high-quality care that revolves around your specific needs and goals.
Advantages of Direct Care, Direct Pay Podiatry:
Patient-Centric Focus: Our direct pay model allows us to place our focus entirely on you, the patient. We dedicate the time needed to thoroughly understand your concerns, perform comprehensive examinations, and create personalized treatment plans. We do not need to wait for authorization from your insurance to start treatment.
Tailored Treatment: With the administrative burden removed, we can tailor treatment plans to your unique needs. Your treatment is not dictated by insurance policies but rather what is best for your foot health.
Flexible Scheduling: Direct care, and direct pay podiatry enable us to offer flexible scheduling options that accommodate your needs and preferences. We strive to make the appointment process as convenient as possible for you. Urgent conditions like ingrown toenails are often seen within 48 hours of scheduling.
Quality Over Quantity: By seeing a limited number of patients per day, we ensure that each patient receives the care, attention, and time they deserve. Quality of care is our top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Dr. Kurlanski Opt-Out of Insurance?
The decision to opt out of insurance participation stemmed from the administrative burdens associated with the traditional healthcare model. The constant changes and overwhelming paperwork took away the joy of treating patients. Opting for a direct pay model allows us to focus on individualized care, seeing a limited number of patients per day and ensuring each patient receives the attention and care they deserve.
Do I Need a Referral from My Primary Care Doctor for an Appointment?
No, a referral from your primary care doctor is not required. While we appreciate referrals from other healthcare professionals, patients can also self-refer and contact our office directly to schedule an appointment. Your foot health is our priority, and we welcome you to reach out to us for the specialized care you need.
Can I Use My HSA or FSA?
Absolutely! At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, we accept payments from Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). These funds can be used for a range of services, including consultations, custom molded orthotics, office-based surgery, laser treatments, and various products available in our office. We aim to provide flexibility and convenience in managing your healthcare expenses.
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle, we believe in providing exceptional podiatric care without the administrative complexities of insurance-based practices. Your foot health is our passion, and we're committed to delivering personalized care that makes a difference. Schedule your appointment with us today and experience the benefits of direct care, and direct-pay podiatry at Lighthouse Foot and Ankle. Your feet are in good hands!
