Personalized HealthCare of Tucson
These last few weeks have been a time of great uncertainty both for our patients and for the medical community in general. New information and recommendations about COVID-19 are being released at a dizzying rate of speed. At PHC we have been following the changes closely and planning how we can best meet our commitment to care for all of you to maximize your health and well-being.
Mar 29, 2020, 7:03 AM
Andrew Cuomo’s video briefing, March 29. Cuomo explains difficult concepts clearly that are important to all communities facing COVID-19, not just to New York.
Video begins at the 5 minute point.
Mar 29, 2020, 7:03 AM
Use of Chloroquinine Phosphate without medical supervision can cause serious health consequences including death.
https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020/han00431.asp?cid=EPR-homepage
Mar 27, 2020, 7:37 AM
Summary article – “What You Can Do About Corona Virus Now”
Mar 27, 2020, 7:37 AM
Consider some facts about the fallacies of comparing COVID-19 to Swine flu and Seasonal Influenza. It is not a simple subject.
Mar 26, 2020, 8:19 PM
COVID-19 and mail:
Mar 26, 2020, 8:19 PM
COVID-19 and grocery store packaging:
Thu, Mar 26, 2:23 PM
Pima Council on Aging is a great resource for a broad range of services offered in our local community. PCOA also updates COVID-19 news and updates. Helpline (520) 790-7262
Thu, Mar 26, 2:23 PM
This is a great site for keeping up-to-date on rapidly changing recommendations for every day actions to reduce your risk of contracting COVID19. Also has links to state and local agency recommendations.
A MEMBERSHIP MEDICAL PRACTICE
Team-Based, Patient-Centered, Physician-Directed
The Medical Home
The Medical Home is a healthcare delivery model whereby patient treatment is coordinated through their primary care physician to ensure they receive the necessary care when and where they need it, in a manner they can understand. The objective is to have a centralized setting that facilitates partnerships between individual patients, and their personal physicians, and when appropriate, the patient’s family.
- The Personal Physician leads a team of individuals who collectively take responsibility for the ongoing care of patients.
- The Personal Physician is responsible for providing for all of the patient’s health care needs or taking responsibility for appropriately arranging care with other qualified professionals, including care for all stages of life (acute care, chronic care, preventive services, and end of life care.)
- Care is coordinated and/or integrated across all elements of the complex health care system (e.g. subspecialty care, hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, family, public and private community-based services.)
- Quality and Safety measures support the attainment of optimal, patient-centered outcomes.
- Enhanced access to care is available through open scheduling and new options for communication between patients, their personal physician and practice staff.
ABOUT PHC
Mission Statement
Personalized HealthCare of Tucson we are committed to excellence in the delivery of comprehensive healthcare to our patients. Our goal is to build a strong Physician-Patient Partnership to deliver personalized evidence-based medicine and current technology, combined with the best community health and wellness resources. We strive to be a leader in the field of primary care to improve the health outcomes of our patients.
Medical Philosophy
Achievement of optimal health is a journey, not an office visit. In 2010 we identified the need to change from a traditional medical practice to a Physician-Patient partnership model. In this model, the physician puts a priority on building a relationship with the patient that promotes empathy in medicine by removing the barriers between the physician and the patient created by traditional models of healthcare delivery. This allows us to provide our patients with the highest level of medical care in the community by maximizing accessibility, clinical competence and communication.MEDICAL PROVIDERS
Steven Wool, MD FACP graduated from Duke University College of Medicine and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine with extensive training and experience in Family Medicine and Geriatrics. He was Chief of Medicine at Tucson Medical Center from 2005-2009 and has served as clinical staff at Tucson Medical Center and in the Department of Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Wool has been in private practice in primary care in Tucson since 1985. He established Personalized Healthcare of Tucson in 2010 to provide his patients with the highest level of medical care by maximizing accessibility, clinical competence and communication.
Aldine Chandler, MD is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She graduated from the University of Arizona with her Medical Doctorate, Alpha Omega Alpha, the highest scholastic distinction attainable. Dr. Chandler completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, ranked #1 nationally for Primary Care training by US News & World Report in 2016. Dr. Chandler is accepting new patients and will be covering call for the practice, assisting with urgent same day and next day appointments for existing PHC patients and performing will-women exams.
Emily McGlamery, PharmD is a pharmacist registered in the State of Arizona. She graduated from Drake University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. She completed her pharmacy residency at the Southern AZ VA Hospital and practiced there for 8 years prior to joining PHC. As part of the PHC Medical Provider team, she oversees medication management at PHC and is available to patients for consultations about medications, chronic disease management, and to determine medication needs for travel, arrange travel clinic appointments for required vaccinations, and to provide prophylactic medication prior to travel.
Kathleen B. McLeod, DNP, MAOM, FNP-BC received a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Arizona State University in 2015. She has 20 years experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner and has extensive experience in Neurology. Kathleen was the first Nurse Practitioner at TMC One with her own patient practice in Primary Care. She has been mentoring and educating Nurse Practitioners since 2002 and is currently a Faculty Associate in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. Prior to that her nursing career at TMC included being the Coordinator of the Trauma Program for 12 years, Administrative Director of Pediatrics/PICU, Interim Director of the Emergency Department and also serving as flight nurse.
Karma Miller, FMP-C received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2014 and her National Certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners soon afterwards. Karma practiced in a Vascular Surgery Clinic in Tucson for two years prior to joining Personalized HealthCare. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Karma worked for 18 years as an RN in the Cardiovascular ICU. At PHC Karma specializes in wound-care, and in peripheral arterial and venous diseases. In addition, she assesses, diagnoses and treats acute and chronic heath problems and provides well-women exams and triages urgent same day, next day and walk-in appointments.
Jil Feldhausen, MS RDN is a registered dietitian with over 30 years of experience. She is a nationally known lecturer and author of three books on nutrition. She coordinates the Annual Health Enhancement Evaluations which are the cornerstone of the PHC Wellness Initiative. Jil is available to PHC patients for nutritional counseling, and management of chronic disease conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity. Appointments with Jil can be scheduled by contacting the PHC office at 547-1661.
Gila Saks, PhD is a licensed psychologist in the State of Arizona and has practiced here since 1992. She has extensive training and experience in helping people navigate their way through life-challenges, such as anxiety, depression, loss, unexpected illness, divorce addictions, loneliness and other difficulties. As the Consultant for Psychological Services for PHC, she assists the Medical Providers with determining the appropriate therapy and/or therapist for specific issues that have been identified. Dr. Saks is available to see PHC patients on-site for their convenience. Appointments can be made directly with Dr. Saks at 444-6697.
Audrey Holland, PhD CCC BC/NCD has extensive training and experience working with and counseling adults with aphasia and other neurologic communication disorders or aspects of aging such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dr. Holland is a Regent’s Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona, and is a well known lecturer and author. She is available to provide counseling for PHC patients who have or are concerned that they or a family member might have these issues. Patients should discuss these concerns with their Medical Provider for appropriate evaluation, treatment and referral.
OFFICE SUPPORT
We Have the Right Person For Your Needs
Patient Services:
Leslie Krasne, Referral Coordinator is responsible for organizing the post-medical visit check-out including physician instructions, referrals, obtaining prior authorizations for diagnostic testing and imaging and pharmacy referrals.
Lori Martinez, Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist is responsible for scheduling patient appointments, checking-in patients for their office visits, and verifying that all pertinent information is correct and current. Lori performs medical assistant functions on an as-needed basis and provides additional coverage for laboratory blood draws.
Adrianne Perez is responsible for assisting patients with check-in for their office visits, scheduling patient appointments, and verifying that all pertinent information is correct and current.
Medical Services:
Veronica Herget, Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist is the Medical Operations Supervisor and coordinates the front and back office functions to ensure a seamless Medical Provider-Patient experience. Veronica provides coverage for the medical assistants and front office staff on an as needed basis. An important part of Veronica’s responsibilities is providing administrative assistance to the Practice Manager, Chris Boggs.
Josie Eck, Medical Scribe is responsible for assisting the medical providers by documenting dictated patient history and physical examination findings, preparing lab orders, documenting visit notes, and prescriptions, and providing necessary paperwork for patient checkout.
Kim Barger, Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist is responsible for assisting the medical providers by working with patients to obtain vital signs, perform EKG’s, prepare lab orders, documents visit notes, answers patient messages, calls in prescriptions, gives immunizations and takes the patient history. Kim assists the Medical Providers as needed before and during the patient medical visit and provides additional coverage for blood draws.
Rebekah Ritter, Certified Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist facilitates the Medical Provider-Patient visit by taking vital signs, performing EKG’s, preparing lab orders, documentation, answering patient messages, calling in prescriptions, giving immunizations and taking the patient history. Rebekah assists the Medical Providers as needed before and during the patient medical visit.
Administrative Services:
Chris Boggs, Practice Manager brings a very strong skill set to the position. Chris has extensive experience in this field and also expertise in new technologies that will allow PHC to increase the efficiency of our business processes and improve the interface between the patients and practice. Chris has degrees in Business Administration-Health Care and Human Resources.
Linda Attarian, Business Liaison is responsible for strategic business planning, development of marketing materials and public relations. Linda assists the Medical Providers, the Office Support Staff and the Professional Support Team. Additionally, Linda is the contact person for new patient enquiries.
Cassie Boylan, Billing Specialist, assists patients with all insurance billing issues and membership enrollment fees. Cassie answers questions about Explanation of Benefits (EOB’s) that patients receive from their insurance company, helps to resolve insurance and billing issues, and processes co-pays and payments. Cassie reviews incoming insurance reimbursements for errors and resolves discrepancies with insurance companies.Membership Benefits
Joining PHC enhances your overall healthcare by providing options and services that are not available in traditional primary care practices. These comprehensive patient-centered services form the cornerstone of your personalized health care plan and allow each patient to individually and selectively tailor our services to meet their medical and wellness needs.
Membership Medical Practice Benefits:
- Enhanced Access to Medical Providers
- Same day or guaranteed next-day appointments available for urgent medical issues
- A Medical Provider from PHC is available by telephone after business hours and on weekends to assist patients with urgent medical issues
- Medical Providers spend as long as each patient needs to have their medical and wellness issues addressed to their satisfaction
- Annual Health Enhancement Evaluation
- Comprehensive body composition analysis
- Nutrition assessment
- Flexibility, mobility and strength testing
- Aerobic endurance appraisal
- Individual lifestyle enhancement recommendations
- Referrals to PHC Value-Added Community Partners as appropriate
- Expedited referrals to qualified specialists as needed.
- On-site Registered Dietitian for nutritional counseling and management of chronic disease states with nutritional components such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.
- On-site pharmacist for medical management of prescriptions and oversight of drug therapy and potential side effects
- On-Site Clinical Laboratory Services
- Licensed Psychologist available to see PHC patients on-site for patient’s convenience. Appointments and financial arrangements are made directly with the practitioner.
- Counseling for PHC patients and families about conditions such as aphasia, mild cognitive impairment and other neurologic communication disorders by a highly qualified professional in the field.
- Coordination of integrative services, including adjunctive alternative treatment modalities
- Nursing home and assisted living visits by a Nurse Practitioner if needed for medical reasons within a limited geographical area
- Patient educational seminars on current medical topics from experts in various specialties
- Monthly patient communication blog on medical topics of interest
- Assistance with planning for travel, including arranging travel clinic appointments for recommended vaccinations and providing prophylactic medication prior to travel
- Assistance with medical issues involving Family members and other visitors from out-of-town.
Get Started
FAQ
Is Personalized HealthCare of Tucson a Concierge Medical Practice?
The term “concierge” medicine is used to describe many types of medical practices, such as direct care and membership medical practices, where a fee is collected to provide benefits that are not covered by insurance. PHC is a membership medical practice and charges a membership fee, bills insurance, collects co-pays, and co-insurance. In return for the fee, the patient receives benefits such as faster appointment scheduling, adequate time to address your medical needs, enhanced access to your physician and many additional services. PHC maintains accreditation with Medicare and most private insurance companies.
Other types of Concierge Practices such as direct primary care practices typically charge a much higher fee than membership practices and do not bill insurance. Direct primary care is considered by the State of Arizona to be a service distinct from health insurance. Direct primary care physicians do not participate in any insurance plans and therefore do not maintain accreditation with Medicare and most private insurance companies. Direct primary care practices collect a fee from the patient to belong to the practice and provide unlimited outpatient access. However, the patient must still have health insurance that meets the minimum essential coverage mandated by the Affordable Care Act.
Why should I pay an annual membership fee?
The primary benefits to the patient of belonging to the PHC primary care practice include services that are not available in traditional medical practices. This includes more time with your physician, same day or next day appointments for urgent medical issues, timely scheduling of routine appointments, and access to a physician from the practice after office hours and on weekends. There are many more benefits, which are described in the topic heading “Benefits of Belonging” section of this website.
Do I need health insurance?
You should maintain your insurance coverage. Although many of the wellness services we provide are not covered by traditional health care insurance, all of the traditional medical services are. These traditional medical services are billed to your medical provider. In addition, medical insurance coverage is strongly recommended to cover the costs of hospitalizations, surgery, medical imaging, laboratory analyses, medical therapies such as cancer treatment, etc.
Do I still need to pay my copays?
If you are seen for a medical visit, whatever co-pays your insurance provider requires will be charged at the time of the office visit. Co-pays are a requirement imposed on medical practices by insurance companies. It is considered fraud by Medicare and private insurance plans if the required co-pay is not collected, and a physician may lose their credentialing with Medicare or a private insurance company.
How much is the annual membership fee?
The annual fee is $1750 per individual, or $3000 per couple.
When is the annual fee due and what are the payment options?
The Annual PHC membership renewal process begins on July 1 of each year, and the patient membership year begins September 1. The annual membership fee can be paid once a year, or monthly. There are no administrative fees for monthly payments.
Will I have to wait to get an appointment?
Patients needing urgent same day or next day appointments will be accommodated. In the event that your personal physician is not available due to scheduling issues or vacation, urgent medical issues may be handled by the available medical provider, which may be a Physician or a Nurse Practitioner.
Is there an extra fee for immunizations, lab tests and procedures done at the office?
Immunizations are available at the office for Influenza, Tdap, Tetnus, Pneumo-Vax, Previnar, Hep-A, Hep-B, Hep A-B ComboFlu shots, depending on availability of the particular vaccine. Medicare does not cover immunizations for Tetnus, TDap or Hepatitis. If you need an immunization that is not covered by your insurance or medicare, you are responsible for the entire cost. Immunizations covered by Medicare or individual insurance plans, lab tests, and procedures such as Spirometry, EKG, Joint Injections, and Incision & Debridement are billed to insurance. A co-pay is not required for immunizations if they are administered separately from a scheduled physician visit.
If I have to go to the hospital, will you oversee that care?
In Arizona, a patient’s care in a Hospital is overseen by a Hospitalist. This is more efficient and safer for a patient, as the Hospitalists are in the Hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our physicians provide coordination of care and work closely with your Hospitalist while you are in the Hospital to provide coordination of care.
How do I join your practice?
You may contact Personalized HealthCare of Tucson at 520-547-1661 to inquire about joining the practice. Please refer to the New Patient Letter found under the section “Get Started” on this website and click on the button “How to Join” for a detailed description of the process of joining the practice.
CONTACT PHC
5210 E. Farness Drive
Tucson, AZ. 85712
(520) 795-4100
