Frequently Asked Questions | Concierge Medicine Newport Beach | PreserveHealth

Question 1

What is concierge medicine, and how is PreserveHealth different?

Accepted Answer

Concierge medicine is a membership model in which a physician deliberately limits their patient panel in exchange for an annual membership — allowing far more time, direct access, and continuity than a conventional practice. PreserveHealth differs from most concierge practices in one important way: we are specialists. Our physicians are board-certified nephrologists and internists focused on complex, high-risk chronic disease — the patients for whom coordination and expertise matter most.

Question 2

Is this the same as direct primary care?

Accepted Answer

No. Direct primary care is generally routine care delivered by a generalist. PreserveHealth is built around subspecialty management of complex disease and coordination across multiple specialists — with preventive and longevity medicine available alongside it.

Question 3

How many patients do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We limit our panel by design. A smaller practice is the only way to deliver the time and attention complex care requires, so we accept a limited number of new members and may maintain a waitlist.

Question 4

How much does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Membership is priced according to the scope of care and level of coordination each patient requires, so we don't publish a flat rate. Your fee is discussed directly with our Concierge Clinical Coordinator during your initial consultation.

Question 5

Does membership replace my insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Membership is not insurance and does not replace it. It covers what the standard system doesn't — direct physician access, care coordination, extended appointment time, and proactive monitoring. We recommend keeping your existing coverage in place.

Question 6

Can I use Medicare or my insurance for my care?

Accepted Answer

Membership fees cover non-covered services such as access and coordination, and are separate from your insurance. How medically necessary care is handled depends on your specific coverage — we'll walk through exactly what applies to your situation during your consultation.

Question 7

Can I use HSA or FSA funds?

Accepted Answer

Some patients apply HSA or FSA funds toward eligible medical services; membership and access fees may not qualify. We recommend confirming with your plan administrator or tax advisor.

Question 8

Do I need kidney disease to become a member?

Accepted Answer

No. While our physicians bring deep expertise in kidney and multi-organ disease, we serve patients managing a range of complex, chronic, and multi-system conditions — as well as those focused on prevention and long-term health through PreserveLongevity.

Question 9

Can PreserveHealth be my only doctor?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs. Our physicians are board-certified in internal medicine and can serve as your principal physician, or work alongside your existing primary care doctor and specialists — coordinating the full picture either way.

Question 10

What conditions do you manage?

Accepted Answer

Advanced kidney disease, cardiorenal and hepatorenal syndrome, resistant hypertension, glomerulonephritis and autoimmune kidney disease, transplant care, recurrent hospitalizations from complex illness, and complex multi-system chronic disease. See our Complex Disease Management page for the full list.

Question 11

How do I reach my physician?

Accepted Answer

Directly. Members communicate with the physician managing their care — not a call center, a portal queue, or a nurse line. Access details are established when you begin membership.

Question 12

What happens if I'm hospitalized?

Accepted Answer

We coordinate with your inpatient team during an admission and manage a structured transition back to outpatient care — an approach designed to reduce the risk of readmission and ensure nothing is lost in the handoff.

Question 13

Do you coordinate with specialists or hospitals outside the area?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We coordinate with specialists, tertiary centers, and transplant programs both in-state and out-of-state — including institutions such as Hoag Hospital, Cedars-Sinai, and UCLA — and help navigate referrals when a higher level of care is needed.

Question 14

Where are you located, and who do you serve?

Accepted Answer

PreserveHealth is based in Newport Beach and serves patients throughout Orange County and Southern California.

Question 15

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

It begins with a conversation. Contact our Concierge Clinical Coordinator to schedule an initial consultation, where we'll discuss your needs, how membership works, and whether we're the right fit.

Questions, Answered.

The Model

Cost & Insurance

Who It's For

Access & Care

Getting Started

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