FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I have many specialists, will you coordinate with all my doctors?

Yes. As a primary care physician, we care-coordinate and help you navigate this exceedingly complicated and confusing healthcare ecosystem. Dr. Zaheer will be in touch with all your healthcare providers as needed to make sure everyone is on the same page. 

Is Dr. Zaheer affiliated with any hospital?

Dr. Zaheer is credentialed with the Howard County General Hospital, however patients may go to any hospital that works better for them. Nowadays, hospitalists take care of patients in the hospital, but Dr. Zaheer will be following your inpatient care closely and will be in communication with your care team as needed. Since Dr. Zaheer is an independent practitioner, there are no incentives for her to refer to certain providers or hospitals, except what benefits the patient. 

Does Dr. Zaheer do house calls?

On occasion, a home visit may be medically necessary. If the need arises, this will be discussed with the patient. Depending on the circumstances, there may be an additional fee of $150 per visit. 

Can I use my insurance for labs?

Yes. Most patients do that. However, our patients also have access to heavily discounted labs for cash pay prices that can save them additional costs. 

Can I use my HSA/ FSA to pay for the membership?

This varies for each individual and plan, but many patients are able to get their membership covered.

Does my membership apply towards my deductible?

No. Since we do not bill insurance the fee does not go towards the deductible. However, our memberships do work very well with high deductible insurance plans, and members report fewer out of pocket expenses, once they have access to a trusted primary care physician. 

I have a very busy job and cannot always take time off for my appointments. How will this practice support me?

Firstly, on most occasions you will get the appointment time/date of your choice. Secondly, not every visit needs to be in-person, Telehealth is an option available to all members. There will be certain instances where having an in-person appointment will be necessary, and Dr. Zaheer will advise accordingly.  Usually one-on-one, we are always able to figure out a solution. We want to make your healthcare experience convenient, pleasant, efficient and safe.

Does my membership fee cover all visits? 

Yes, all visits are included. That also includes visits for Mirena/Skyla/Nexplanon placement and removal.

Does the practice bill insurance? 

No, we do not bill your insurance, but we do strongly recommend all individuals to have health insurance to cover emergencies, specialty care and certain diagnostics. At the end of the year, patients will be given a super bill which they can use to submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement.

I have Medicare, how does that fit in with this practice?

Dr. Zaheer is a Medicare provider. In order to be compliant with federal regulations, Oak Tree Primary Care was initially not enrolling Medicare patients. However due to an overwhelming demand, Dr. Zaheer is now accepting a very limited number of Medicare patients as a non-participating Medicare provider.  To ensure that the focus stays on patients and not on billing the pathway is a little different. Patients pay Medicare office visit rates at time of service. The office will then file a claim for the patient, and patients will receive re-imbursement from Medicare within 90 days, along with their secondary insurance if applicable. 

I have Medicaid, does that make a difference?

Unfortunately, at this time Dr. Zaheer will not be able to see Medicaid patients, either as Direct Primary Care members or as fee-for-service. However, this may change in the near future.