Commonly Asked Questions

A revolutionary and dramatically efficient way of delivering medical care that allows patients unparalleled access to their doctor. With the concierge model, the doctor specifically limits the size of the practice in order to spend more time with patients and be more accessible. To maintain the small and intimate nature of our practice, we skip the endless paperwork and delays of working with insurance companies and instead charge an annual fee.

The annual fee covers all of my care provided to you, with no additional fee for your dependent children ages 18–25, from urgent care for the common cold or flu virus to management of chronic conditions. All in a more relaxed, unhurried environment, where you and I have more time to discuss your individual needs and concerns.

Yes. This model of care can only be delivered by limiting the number of patients enrolled in the practice. Typically, this number is less than 20 percent of our usual patient population. Waiting lists will be created when we reach our limits.

The concierge model is especially attractive to those who are interested in preventive care and their overall health and well-being. These are patients who choose to take a proactive role in their own longevity, as well as those who are living with chronic conditions.

You will need to retain your traditional medical insurance for any specialist consultations, hospitalizations, or tests that you may require. Since we are out of network for all private insurance companies and do not participate in Medicare, you will need your insurance for all tests (blood work, x-rays, etc.), which will be billed to your insurance by the in-network provider that we refer you to.

As long as your insurance is not an HMO or a Medicare Advantage/Advantra HMO, your out-of-pocket costs should not be affected. If you have any questions, please call our office.

Having worked in St. Louis for more than 30 years, we have excellent relationships with some of the best specialists in town. Our staff can coordinate these appointments and, many times, expedite the waiting time for the visit. When you visit the specialist, it will be a conventional visit using your medical insurance. We then follow up with you and your specialist about the visit.

Dr. Cohen is on staff at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and will visit and monitor any of her patients who are under the hospital’s care.

I am easily contacted at the office during normal business hours. If I am seeing another patient, I will return the call promptly. I can be reached on my cell phone after business hours.

Your annual fee does not count toward your medical insurance deductible. However, some patients have health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts that may allow their annual fees to be paid with pre-tax dollars. You should check with your specific plan, however, to find out if it applies.

Call (314) 872-8822 or email businessmgr@sharidcohenmd.com for more information.