FAQs

  • What Is The Registration Fee?

    For new or returning patients only, there is a one-time $99 registration fee applicable to all tiers except Tier 1. This fee covers administrative costs for setting up your patient account. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with setting up a new patient.

  • Is Spruce Still Available?

    Yes, Spruce is here to stay. It allows you to securely communicate with your provider, but access depends on your tier. Tier 1 members have access seven days a week, while Tiers 2-4 have access Monday through Friday during business hours.

  • Does The Patient Portal Replace Spruce?

    No, the patient portal does not replace Spruce. It is a resource. The portal provides comprehensive health resources, while Spruce remains the main platform for direct communication with your medical team.

  • Is Spruce Available On Weekends?

    Spruce messaging is available for all tiers, but weekend access is exclusive to Tier 1. Tiers 2-4 are limited to Monday through Friday access.

  • What Is The New Patient Portal ?

    Our new innovative online platform that provides a wealth of resources including guides on gut health, hormone care, weight loss management, FAQs, videos, recipes, and more to support your health journey. The patient portal is included in Tier 1, other tiers can add it on for $24.99/month.

  • What is the difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3?

    Tier 1 offers the most comprehensive care including full primary care, full functional medicine, and additional benefits like discounts from partnered services and complete access to the Patient Portal and unrestricted Spruce access. Tier 2 offers limited functional medicine plus primary care, focusing mainly on essential services with access to Spruce during business hours and optional patient portal access at an additional cost. Tier 3 focuses on hormone balance and functional medicine without primary care services included (Primary care is regular medical care visits).

  • What Tier Did I Fall Under Before?

    All patients under the previous membership were on a plan that most closely resembles Tier 2. While this is the closest match, you still need to select a tier to ensure it aligns with your needs.

  • When Do New Memberships Start, and How Are Payments Handled?

    New memberships start in April, but the payment day remains consistent with your original sign-up date to ensure continuity and ease of budgeting.

  • What Are The Children Membership Options?

    If a parent is enrolled in Tier 1 or 2, each child can be added for just $10 per month, which includes one annual visit and unlimited acute care throughout the month. Acute care includes items like cold or flu visits, eye infections, etc. If a parent is in any other tier or not in a membership, the child is placed in Tier 5 at the standard Tier 5 pricing.

  • What Is Functional Medicine?

    Functional medicine is a holistic approach focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of diseases. It integrates a thorough review of the patient’s gut health, food sensitivities, and hormonal balances, among other factors, to tailor treatments that improve overall health.

  • What’s Included In Acute Care Medications, Visits, & Testing?

    Tier 1, 2 & 4 includes comprehensive coverage for acute conditions with all necessary medications and testing like flu and strep tests provided at no extra cost. Other tiers may incur nominal fees for specific tests and limited access to these medications.

  • What Does "Limited" Mean In Tier 2?

    "Limited" in Tier 2 indicates no additional resources or discounts that are included in Tier 1.  

  • What Is An Initial Appointment?

    The initial appointment is a comprehensive 90-minute session for all tiers, designed to dive deep into your health history and set clear health goals. This session is critical for creating a personalized care plan.

  • What Is A Follow-up Appointment?

    Follow-up appointments vary by tier and are tailored to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and ensure that health goals are being met effectively.

  • What Is An Acute Care Visits?

    Regular doctor appointments to address urgent health needs or unexpected medical issues. These visits are structured to provide quick and effective care.

  • What Is Point of Care Testing?

    Includes essential diagnostics like flu and strep tests. For Tier 1, all in-office point of care testing is unlimited and free. Other tiers have nominal fees for specific tests ($40 for Flu/Covid and $25 for RSV and Strep).

  • What Is Acute Care Medication?

    Tier 1 enjoys comprehensive coverage including injectable medications for acute conditions like migraines or back pain. Other tiers may have nominal fees, limited or no access to these medications.

  • What Is Prescription Refills and Renewals?

    This service ensures you have continuous access to prescribed medications without interruption, managed directly through our office.

  • What Happens If You Don’t Choose a Tier?

    Because we are moving into a structured model, all patients must select a membership tier before April 1 to continue care. If you do not make a selection by the deadline, we will need to follow up to determine the best next steps.

    Have more questions? Message us on Spruce, call, or text us - we’re happy to help!