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Frequently Asked Questions
Great Neck Rheumatology is a physician-led, independent Direct Specialty Care (DSC) practice dedicated to comprehensive adult rheumatology. Our philosophy is that patients with rheumatic conditions whether complex or straightforward, deserve thoughtful, evidence-based care, enough time with their physician, and a dedicated partnership. Everything else - our practice model, care structure, and pricing - exists to support that philosophy. Our care structure allows us to provide care guided by each patient's needs and our physician's clinical judgement, without insurance influencing how visits are scheduled and how we support patients between visits. By maintaining a smaller patient panel, we are able to listen carefully, perform thorough evaluations, discuss complex conditions, and develop personalized management plans. We believe high-quality specialty care should be evidence-based, compassionate, transparent, and accessible. Through straightforward pricing and a thoughtfully designed care model, patients know exactly what to expect from our professional services, allowing the focus to remain on thoughtful medical care. Our goal is to deliver high-value specialty care by emphasizing quality, continuity, and meaningful access rather than volume. Our physician is board certified in both Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and has experience caring for patients with a wide range of autoimmune, autoinflammatory and musculoskeletal conditions. Every recommendation is grounded in current medical evidence, careful clinical judgement, and a commitment to shared decision-making. Above all, we strive to be a trusted partner who supports you with clarity, compassion, and continuity throughout your health journey.
Direct Specialty Care (DSC) is a model where patients pay the physician fee directly, instead of through the insurance companies. This means the physician does not bill or report to the insurance companies, and can provide care guided by the patient's best interest and clinical judgement, rather than reimbursement rules set by the insurance companies.The DSC membership model allows appropriate visit length, communication between visits, supports preventive not just reactive care, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes. The patient panel is usually smaller, and care can be more focused and attentive. Our goal is quality, not quantity.
This practice follows a Direct Specialty Care model, meaning we do not bill insurance for office visits. Care is provided through a transparent, upfront fee. As a result, there are no copays, deductibles, or surprise bills from our office.
Your insurance can still be used as usual for labs, imaging, medications, and visits with other providers.
For Commercial Insurance:
Upon request, patients with commercial insurance (excluding Medicare) may receive a detailed receipt (superbill) to submit to their insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on the terms of your insurance plan. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly to understand your out-of-network benefits.
For Medicare Beneficiaries:
Because Dr. Cao has opted out of Medicare, federal law prohibits both the provider and the patient from seeking Medicare reimbursement. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you are welcome in our practice, but you will be required to sign a Medicare Private Contract acknowledging that the services are provided on a private, out-of-pocket basis and cannot be submitted to Medicare or Medigap policies.
The initial consultation is designed as a standalone service. Some patients require only diagnostic clarification or a second opinion and do not need ongoing care.
If long-term management becomes appropriate, membership can be discussed at that time. Enrollment is based on clinical need and alignment, not obligation.
Yes.We understand that life changes. There is no long-term contract required to begin membership. You may cancel your monthly membership at any time, advanced notice is required to ensure orderly administrative processing and avoid automatic draft of your next billing cycle. Our goal is an ongoing relationship based on clinical need and mutual fit, not long-term obligation.
Once your appointment is confirmed, you'll receive an invitation to complete our secure online consent forms and clinical intake questionnaire. We encourage you to complete these forms as thoroughly as possible before your visit and upload or send any relevant medical records, such as laboratory results, imaging reports, and prior rheumatology or specialist notes. This allows us to review your information in advance so we can spend more of your appointment focused on understanding your concerns and discussing your care.
Laboratory testing and imaging studies are ordered as clinically indicated and are typically performed at external facilities. These services are usually billed through your insurance by performing facilities according to your plan’s coverage as usual.
Results are reviewed carefully, and follow-up recommendations are communicated in a timely manner.
Yes.
When clinically appropriate, biologic and other specialty medications are prescribed and monitored.
Medication selection, risks, benefits, and monitoring plans are discussed thoroughly before initiation. Insurance authorization processes are handled in coordination with pharmacies and infusion centers as needed.
Our care model is built on two core principles: unhurried office visits and meaningful support between visits. Established patients are welcome to contact us between visits for non-urgent medical questions, medication concerns, disease flares, and follow-up needs. Many concerns can be addressed without requiring an office visit, while others may require a telemedicine or in-person appointment to ensure you receive the safest and most appropriate care. Our preferred method of communication is through our secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal. You may also contact the practice by phone. If we are unable to answer your call, we are likely caring for another patient. Please leave a voicemail, and we'll return your call as soon as reasonably possible during business hours. Portal messages and voicemails are reviewed during business hours and should be used for non-urgent medical concerns only. If you believe your symptoms require immediate medical attention and cannot safely wait for a response from our office, please seek care through an urgent care center, emergency department, or call 911 as appropriate.
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