Frequently Asked Questions

Concierge Medicine is a care delivery model that charges a membership fee so that a physician
has more time to provide enhanced services to a smaller panel of patients.

What does the Membership Fee cover?

The membership fee covers longer visit times and more readily available same-day or next-day appointments. It allows for minimal time sitting in a waiting room. It also covers enhanced coordination of care with sub-specialists. Additionally, patients will have direct access to me via cell phone for urgent issues that come up after hours.

What are the general ages of your patients?

I see patients 18 and older. I see young and mid-career working adults who want to receive care in a timely fashion as well as older patients who may have more complex healthcare needs. Mostly, I see patients who want to have someone they trust to serve as a healthcare advisor and advocate and someone that they can rely on to provide outstanding, evidence-based care in an unhurried fashion.

To which specialists and hospitals do you refer and with which hospitals do you have relationships?

I refer to specialists across multiple hospital systems including Piedmont, Northside, Emory and Wellstar. The most important factors guiding my referrals are excellence of care and convenience for patients. Importantly, I have access to the electronic medical record platforms (e.g., EPIC and Cerner) of most major Atlanta hospital systems, allowing for continuity of care across Atlanta-area healthcare entities.

Do you take insurance?

As a Direct Primary Care physician, I have the freedom to see patients no matter what insurance plan they are on. I take patients with any insurance plan, including those with Medicare. I also see patients who are self-pay.

What about labs and imaging tests?

Labs and imaging tests that we order are covered in exactly the same way that they are covered at a traditional doctor’s office. If a lab is covered by your insurance company, it is covered when we order it. Additionally, for labs that are not covered by your insurance company, we can often offer wholesale pricing discounts to patients.

Do you provide Preventive Care?

Yes. In addition to providing acute care and continuity of care for chronic conditions, we address preventive care. At all routine visits, I check to make sure that a patient’s immunizations and preventive care are up to date. Additionally, I provide comprehensive annual physical exams that address preventive services.

Do you take Medicare patients? Does being a member affect my Medicare status?

Yes, we take patients with Medicare. The Membership Fee is not, however, reimbursed by Medicare. Membership in the practice does not alter a patient's Medicare benefits. Dr. Dekle is an ordering physician for Medicare; however, she has “opted out” of the Medicare program as a billing physician for her own time. Nothing changes for patients except that they do not have co-pays for office visits.

Do you offer telemedicine visits?

Yes. We are able to provide visits via video and audio calls.

Do you provide care to children?

We take care of young adults ages 18 years and older. Pediatric care is not within an Internal Medicine doctor’s scope of practice.