faq 

Why should I get a physical exam?

07/23/2009 -

You should have a physical exam even if you feel fine, because the best way to remain healthy is to have a full picture of your health from head to toe. Learning about any hidden issues at the earliest possible stage gives you the opportunity to treat them or modify your lifestyle to ensure you have a long and healthy life.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

How often should I have an exam?

07/23/2009 -

We recommend an annual exam for most of our patients. An annual Lifesigns exam can detect the early symptoms of conditions that require changes in lifestyle or treatment. A lot can change in a year and staying on track with a healthy lifestyle is critical to the quality and quantity of your life.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

What screening tests do I need?

07/23/2009 -

We recommend you begin with our base exam. Our medical staff can provide suggestions for additional tests based on your age, gender, family and medical history.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

How do I prepare for my exam? Can I eat beforehand?

07/23/2009 -

Most Lifesigns exams require a period of fasting before you come in so your lab results will be more accurate. In general, you shouldn’t eat after midnight the night before the exam. You may be allowed to have one black cup of coffee in the morning before you arrive. Your scheduler will provide more details as to any additional preparation required. Some screening exams, like virtual colonoscopy, require more preparation. If you are having a treadmill test you may want to wear or bring workout clothes and walking/running shoes. All Lifesigns facilities have a shower for you to freshen up in after a treadmill test.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

How long does it take?

07/23/2009 -

We value your time and have designed our exams so patients wait as little as possible. The complete Lifesigns exam usually takes one to three hours depending on the number of tests you are undergoing. Some tests, like the cardiac stress test or virtual colonoscopy, might add 30 minutes to an hour to your exam. We can give you an estimate of how long your exam will take at the time you schedule.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

When will I receive the results of my exam?

07/23/2009 -

Lifesigns will receive your lab results within 48-72 hours.  If there is an immediate concern a Lifesigns clinician will contact you.  Otherwise, your results will be sent via the our secure patient portal (NextMD) or the mail within 30 days.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

What happens if you find something wrong with me during my exam?

07/23/2009 -

If an emergency situation occurs during an exam, we will call 911 and an ambulance will take you to the hospital. If we detect a condition that requires treatment by a specialist, we will provide a referral and deliver our data on that condition to the specialist. We will also follow up with you and the specialist to make sure the condition is treated. If we detect a condition that can be treated with lifestyle changes, Lifesigns offers follow up with a nurse preventionist. Lifestyle changes can help guide you out of conditions, such as pre-diabetes or pre-hypertension, that lead to greater long-term health issues.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

How much will it cost?

07/23/2009 -

Insurance Pay
Lifesigns accepts most major (and many non-major) health insurance plans, and in most cases the patient is responsible only for a co-pay between $10 and $35. Many insurance companies have realized the value of preventive care and offer preventive benefits that cover a Lifesigns exam. Generally there is an annual preventive benefit that must be available to allow your insurance to pay for an exam and avoid a balance payable by you. Lifesigns will perform an insurance verification to determine the level of benefits available to you. Note that your insurance provider doesn’t guarantee the verification to be accurate so neither can we. The verification of benefits requires that you are covered at the time of your exam and that we receive accurate insurance information from you regarding your benefits. You may be responsible for the cost of your exam if you aren’t covered or provide inaccurate information.

High-deductible insurance plans tied to health savings accounts (HSAs) are becoming popular as employers enable employees to become more directly involved with healthcare choices and shift a significant cost of healthcare to employees. These plans generally require the employee pay a high deductible before insurance begins paying benefits. However the IRS rules allow HSA and high-deductible insurance plans to pay a preventive benefit without requiring payment by employees/patients. In other words, many high-deductible plans have a ZERO deductible for preventive benefits. Check with your insurance provider to see if it offers no-deductible prevention benefits. We think a Lifesigns physical should be the first stop for any HSA account holder—especially if it’s paid fully by your insurance.

Employer / Company Pay
Many progressive companies that realize the value of preventive care pay Lifesigns directly for a full exam for some or all employees. Other companies recognize that additional testing not covered by insurance may be necessary to provide a comprehensive health assessment. In these cases, a physical or optional tests may be paid in full or partially by your employer. Ask your HR or benefits department if your company offers a Lifesigns benefit.

Self-payment
Many of our patients believe that a comprehensive Lifesigns physical is valuable enough to pay for out of pocket if their insurance doesn’t cover an exam. A basic exam costs between $550 and $2,500 depending on the tests that are medically necessary or that you desire. We believe a Lifesigns exam is a small price to pay for peace of mind or early detection of a major problem. To you, your health is invaluable. We feel the same.

Additional / Optional Tests
Insurance plans or companies don’t always cover the costs of tests a patient might want. We offer these additional tests to you for an out-of-pocket cost. We will never pressure you into paying for a test you don’t need or want. We do have recommendations for tests you should have depending on your age, family history or other conditions that an insurance company or employer might not agree with. We believe you should make the decision.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

If I’m using my wellness benefit through my health insurance plan, can my spouse and children come to Lifesigns too?

07/23/2009 -

In most cases, if your spouse and children are on your plan they have the same benefits as you—including wellness. Lifesigns generally only sees children over 14 years of age. Our schedulers will do a complete insurance verification to determine the level of benefits available to you and your family. Please call us for more information.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

I have an HSA and high-deductible health plan. Will I have to pay the full price?

07/23/2009 -

Under the Health Savings Account Law, preventive benefits can be covered without a deductible. In other words, your plan may cover preventive care at no cost to you. In IRS Notice 2004-23, the IRS provides a list of services it considers preventive care, including periodic health evaluations (or physical exams), tobacco cessation programs, obesity weight-loss programs and other health screening services. Please contact a local Lifesigns clinic to let us help you navigate the HSA/HDHP maze and confirm whether your plan covers preventive care. If your plan doesn't cover prevention, the cost would likely be a discounted amount as negotiated by your health plan--still a great value to have the peace of mind a Lifesigns exam brings.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Will you send the results to my doctor?

07/23/2009 -

Yes, we will send the results of your Lifesigns exam to your doctor for review, enabling him or her to treat any conditions we might bring to your attention.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Do you become my primary care doctor?

07/23/2009 -

No, we do not replace your primary care doctor. We seek to work with your doctor to improve your health. If you do not have a primary care doctor, you need one. Please let us know and we will be happy to refer you to one who cares about prevention and wellness.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

I’ve gone to my primary care doctor for years; will Lifesigns replace him/her?

07/23/2009 -

Lifesigns does not want to replace or become your primary care physician. We only want to provide you with a comprehensive exam once a year that you cannot receive anywhere else. We will work with your primary care doctor to help you lead a healthier life.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

What makes Lifesigns different from my primary care doctor?

07/23/2009 -

Lifesigns is equipped to provide more testing than primary care physicians. We can save you from having to make five or six appointments with specialists, paying five or six separate co-payments, to receive all the tests and exams we provide in our office in one visit with one co-payment.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Where do I go if I’m sick?

07/23/2009 -

In any emergency situation, please go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. For non-emergency sick care, you should visit your primary care doctor. If you do not have a doctor, we can refer you to one who values prevention and wellness.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Can you prescribe drugs?

07/23/2009 -

Lifesigns doctors and nurse preventionists can prescribe a limited selection of drugs to assist you in living a healthier lifestyle.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Can you refer me to a specialist?

07/23/2009 -

Yes, we refer many patients to cardiologists, gastrointestinal doctors, lOB-GYNs, primary care doctors and other specialties if we identify a condition requiring specialist care.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Do you provide prescriptions for glasses?

07/23/2009 -

In most of our clinics we have a fully licensed optometrist on staff to provide complete eye care services including prescriptions for glasses and contacts.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Can I see your optometrist without getting a physical exam?

07/23/2009 -

You may be able to see our optometrist without a physical exam if our schedule allows it. Please contact your local clinic for more details.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Can I get a calcium score/colonoscopy/lung scan without getting an exam?

07/23/2009 -

We offer CT scans for calcium scores, virtual colonoscopy and lung scans at our Memphis clinic. Tennessee law requires that any CT procedure be offered only to our exam patients. Please call the Memphis clinic for more details.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

How do I follow your suggestions to stop smoking/lose weight/lower my cholesterol/etc?

07/23/2009 -

Your Lifesigns physician can help you develop a plan to live healthier and/or direct you to a nurse preventionist. Lifesigns nurse preventionists on staff in most of our clinics can provide guidance to help you quit smoking, improve nutrition and develop a healthier lifestyle.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]

Is my health information kept confidential?

07/23/2009 -

Yes, your information and results are confidential between you and our medical staff. We have a number of safeguards in place to prevent the unauthorized sharing of information about you. Your insurance company or employer does not receive your health information unless you provide an express written consent to allow this.

[Back to Top]   [Print]   [Share This]