Concierge medicine is a mode of healthcare that prioritizes the relationship between patients and their doctors. The difference between concierge medicine and an insurance-based practice is that you pay your doctor directly rather than through insurance so your doctor works for you and does not answer to them. This model helps us cut through much of the bureaucratic paperwork and instead focus our time directly on taking care of your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a concierge medicine doctor to keep my child healthy?
Healthy children who don’t often go to the doctor will gain the benefits of individually tailored health care that support the maintenance of good health. Good health does not happen by accident, but rather as the result of a combination of genetics, healthy habits, and routines. Instead of seeing your child’s doctor once a year, we believe proactive activities including health classes are important to maintain your child’s health. With a thoughtful direct care pediatrician, you can have peace of mind that your doctor has reviewed all relevant health history of your child and will address the lifestyle factors necessary to optimize the function of their mind and body.
What makes Rivertowns Pediatrics of Staten Island different?
By removing red tape, we have the luxury of giving your child all the time they would need to evaluate and treat chronic health concerns that are so prevalent in modern life. Weight management, behavioral difficulties, school performance, infectious disease prevention, social difficulties are just a few of the areas where more time with your doctor would result in dramatically different outcomes for your child.
What if my child needs care while we are out of state?
Naturally, we provide such care and guidance using telemedicine for further evaluation. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, email, text, or webcam. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.
What happens if my child needs to go to the hospital or see a specialist?
In providing superb care with unprecedented sorts of access, we seek to prevent or reduce hospitalizations and specialty referrals. In instances where those types of care are required, we will certainly continue to work with your hospitalist during your hospital stay as well as work closely with any specialist. In some cases, depending on the level of care and the sorts of expertise required, we may rely on those specialized caregivers to manage your treatment.
What should I do if I want to join?
Come get to know us! Schedule a free, unconditional meet-and-greet to discuss your child’s healthcare needs. It’s the only reasonable way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, healthy relationship.
How do I pay for membership?
Payments for membership can be made with credit or debit cards and will automatically be charged to the account on a monthly basis.
Can I cancel my membership?
Yes, membership can be canceled at any time provided a 30-day notice is given. If you decide to leave Rivertowns Pediatrics of Staten Island for any reason, there is absolutely no fee or penalty. Should your family again decide to rejoin, there will be a re-initiation fee.
Do you accept insurance?
No. Happily, no. Perhaps the most critical distinction in our model of care centers on a direct, personal relationship between you and your doctor. That directness carries over to our business model as well. We see no reason for any insurer to have a voice about either the quality or the cost of your family’s care. We skip insurance payments to save our members from the arbitrary, intrusive decisions, not always in your best interest, that come along with such payments.
As a member of Rivertowns Pediatrics of Staten Island, will I still need health insurance?
Yes. We recommend our members continue a major medical plan and health savings account to ensure financial help should hospitalization or referral to a specialist be necessary.
Do you offer house calls?
One of the benefits of membership medicine is that our schedules become more flexible and, based on medical needs, Dr. Barayev is happily able to offer in-home visits.
Is my medical information ever shared with insurance companies or pharmaceutical companies?
We maintain strict standards of privacy. We are never obligated to provide any third party not directly involved in your care with a copy of your records unless you specifically ask that we do so.
What is your policy for vaccinations?
We believe that teamwork makes the dream work. We believe in empowering families with accurate and timely medical information. We will earnestly listen to every parent’s concerns about vaccination and help to address or clarify any issues.
Due to the contagiousness of the diseases that are vaccine-preventable, Dr. Barayev recommends all families follow the immunization schedule per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. You should always feel comfortable with your doctor’s recommendations prior to deciding on any treatments given to your child. This same standard should apply to vaccinations, medications, vitamins, and supplements.