Lincoln Wellness and Family Care

Lincoln Wellness & Family Care

Todd V. Lincoln, D.O.

Board Certified Family Medicine

July 1^st, 2009

Dear Valued Patient:

My staff and I are always striving to provide the highest level of care and service to our patients. When you call us, our phone is always answered by a staff member who is ready to answer your questions or schedule an appointment. Many medical practices around the valley have transitioned to using an automated phone attendant to cut costs, but we are committed to personal service. We set aside appointment times every day for urgent and sick visits for patients in need. We also continue to provide blood-drawing services for the convenience of our patients. We do not profit from drawing blood.

Over the last several years, there has been an increase in administrative duties due to the volume of requests from patients, insurance companies and pharmacies that require intensive staff time to accomplish. This includes medication refills by phone and fax (local and mail order), obtaining approval for medications not covered under insurance plans, obtaining approvals for MRI and CT scans, sending medical records to insurance companies and medical specialists and reviewing and responding to home health care evaluations and physical therapy notes. Patients may not realize the volume of administrative work that goes on in tandem with their office visit.

The economic landscape is very challenging for family physicians right now. Many are leaving primary care or closing their practices because their costs are exceeding the revenue generated from insurance reimbursement. Only 5% of new physicians are going into family practice today due to this increasing problem and the added administrative costs.

In order to continue to serve our patients with quality care and continue to provide these services, we are instituting an annual administration fee of $50.00 for individuals and $75 for families of two or more. You may pay your annual fee by mail or online by visiting our new website at www.lincolnwellnessaz.com.

Thank you for your support and understanding; it is my pleasure to care for you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lincoln