FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where personalized care is at the forefront. It prioritizes your unique health needs with direct access to your doctor, ensuring your well-being is always the focus. This approach offers extended appointment times, a proactive focus on wellness, and seamless coordination with other providers, giving you peace of mind and quality care when you need it most.
What are the benefits of Concierge Medicine?
- Extended consultation times to thoroughly address your concerns.
- No waiting or minimal waiting
- Same-day or next-day appointments.
- Yearly executive exams
- In-office blood draws
- Direct access to Dr. Bendetowicz via cell phone for texts and calls
- Hospital Support Service
- Travel Medicine Service
- Comprehensive and proactive health management.
- Coordinated care with specialists and hospitals when necessary.
- Tailored wellness support
- Holistic Health Focus
- Stronger Doctor-Patient relationship
How is this practice different from traditional practices and other concierge offices?
Dr. Bendetowicz’s practice offers a warm, patient-centered environment where you are seen, heard, and truly cared for every step of the way. You’ll enjoy quality time with Dr. Bendetowicz, who listens closely to your needs and supports your health. Our personalized service is tailored to prioritize your well-being, ensuring a healthcare experience that puts you at the center of your care.
Do you offer telemedicine visits?
Yes, we offer telemedicine as an option for certain conditions, making it easier to connect with Dr. Bendetowicz remotely when appropriate. However, please note that this is not a telemedicine-only practice. While telemedicine can be very effective for some health concerns, others benefit from a more hands-on approach, which is why in-person visits are also an essential part of our care model. We aim to provide the most effective treatment based on your unique needs.
What is Dr. Bendetowicz’s experience and qualifications?
- Dr. Bendetowicz is an experienced internal medicine physician with a strong commitment to providing exceptional, patient-focused care. His background includes years of expertise in preventive, chronic, and acute disease management, along with a dedication to staying updated on the latest medical advancements. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and belongs to the American Medical Association and the Lee County Medical Society. He participates actively in the local Chapter of the American College of Physicians and has been part of the Governor’s Advisory Council for the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians for more than a decade.
He has received several awards, including:
- Internist of the Year: Dr. Bendetowicz received this award from the Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians in 2014. This award is given to a physician who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the clinical practice of internal medicine.
- Key Contact: The Florida Chapter of the American College of Physicians awarded Dr. Bendetowicz this honor in 2013. This award is given to a Physician who has made exceptional contributions to advancing the American College of Physicians' public policy agenda and advocating on behalf of patients.
- Valedictorian Award: Dr. Bendetowicz graduated as Valedictorian from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina, in 1986. Valedictorian status is awarded to Physicians who graduate at the top of their class.
What is an Internist?
An Internist, or Internal Medicine physician, is a specialist in adult medicine. They diagnose, treat, and prevent a wide range of diseases, from common illnesses to complex chronic conditions. Internists are experts in solving diagnostic challenges, managing multifaceted medical issues, and coordinating care for patients with multiple conditions. Their training emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the connections within the adult body, allowing them to deliver comprehensive and effective care.
What conditions does an Internal Medicine specialist treat?
Internal Medicine specialists, also known as Internists, focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of conditions that affect adults. As a concierge internal medicine practice, we provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Conditions we commonly manage include:
Chronic Conditions:
High blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), thyroid disorders and arthritis. Other conditions include heart disease arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, headaches, migraines, autoimmune disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Preventive Care:
Executive Physical exams, cancer screenings, lifestyle counseling for weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction
Acute Illnesses and Infections: Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and digestive issues.
Conditions requiring coordination between specialists: Internists work as a team not only within the office, collaborating closely with staff to provide seamless care but also by coordinating with specialists outside the practice. They facilitate communication across your healthcare providers, ensuring that all aspects of your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are effectively managed and aligned with your overall health goals.
Our practice emphasizes personalized, thorough care. We work closely with you to address your health concerns, provide preventive strategies, and coordinate any specialized care if needed. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, please feel free to contact us!
What are the membership fees and payment options?
Membership costs cover comprehensive services not included in insurance. Payment plans are flexible, with options for monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. Our team is transparent about fees and will work with you to find the best plan for your needs.
How does your hybrid concierge membership system keep care affordable?
The hybrid system in Dr. Bendetowicz's practice combines the benefits of concierge care with the convenience of insurance billing. Unlike other concierge practices with elevated fees that don’t bill insurance and require you to handle the paperwork for reimbursement, we take care of that for you. This approach ensures you receive personalized care while minimizing out-of-pocket costs, offering a smoother, more affordable experience.
Are there any other fees?
Your membership fee covers concierge medicine services, with no hidden costs. However, regular medical expenses like insurance copays, deductibles, or services covered by your insurance (such as lab tests or specialist referrals) are still applicable and paid according to your insurance plan’s guidelines.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at anytime.If you decide to cancel your membership, you are eligible for a refund of any unused portion. Refund policies or prorated fees may apply depending on your specific circumstances. Please contact our office for details, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Can I contact the doctor after hours?
Yes, Dr. Bendetowicz is available 24/7 via his personal cell phone for calls or texts. This direct access ensures that you always have support and answers when you need them most.
What is the typical appointment length?
Appointments typically last 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs. This ensures ample time to discuss your concerns and develop a personalized health plan.
Can I see my doctor for same-day appointments?
Yes, same-day or next-day appointments are a key benefit of concierge medicine. Scheduling is designed to prioritize your convenience.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, our hybrid model allows you to use insurance for covered services, while the concierge membership fee, paid out-of-pocket, covers personalized care that is not included in insurance. This approach helps ensure high-quality, accessible care while keeping out-of-pocket costs affordable.
What Makes Our Practice Stand Out?
- Personalized Attention: Dr. Bendetowicz dedicates ample time to understanding your health concerns and crafting solutions tailored specifically to you.
- Effortless Access: Same-day appointments and minimal or no wait times ensure timely care when you need it most.
- Direct Communication: For any health-related questions or concerns, you can reach Dr. Bendetowicz directly via his personal cell phone, always providing peace of mind.
- Convenience at Its Best: On-site lab services streamline your care, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary trips.
- Seamless Continuity of Care: Whether at the hospital or in the office, Dr. Bendetowicz personally coordinates every step of your care for a smooth, worry-free experience.
- Proactive Wellness: Yearly executive physical and personalized health plans help you stay active, confident, and focused on your well-being.
- Travel with Confidence: Our travel medicine services ensure you’re prepared and protected wherever life takes you.
- Thoughtful Coordination: From specialists to hospital stays, every aspect of your care is carefully organized to meet your unique healthcare needs.
- Comprehensive Health Advocacy: Dr. Bendetowicz acts as a dedicated advocate, guiding you through complex medical systems and decisions.
How do I join the practice?
Joining is simply. Contact the office directly at 239-985-1050 to schedule a consultation and discuss membership options. You can also fill out an inquiry form online to get started at www.doctorben.net.
Can I meet the doctor before joining?
Yes, prospective patients are welcome to schedule a meet-and-greet with Dr. Bendetowicz. This allows you to discuss your health goals and get to know the practice. The meeting can be in person, via teleconference, or by phone, depending on your preference and convenience. There is no charge for this introductory meeting; however, please note that it is intended for general discussion and not for medical consultation or advice.
