FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our concierge medicine services, insurance, and membership benefits.

General Questions

How does my insurance work in a concierge medicine practice?

Elite Medical Associates accepts most major insurance plans, and our list of accepted providers continues to grow. Your annual membership fee covers preventive and wellness services that are typically not included in standard insurance plans (such as advanced diagnostic testing and screenings). For other medical needs—like sick visits—your concierge physician will continue to bill your insurance as usual, including any applicable copays, coinsurance, or deductibles.

My insurance already includes an annual physical. Why do I need the concierge wellness program?

The Elite Wellness Program goes beyond a standard annual physical by offering access to advanced lab tests, screenings, and diagnostics. These enhanced evaluations can identify significantly more risk factors—for example, detecting up to 40% more individuals at risk for heart attack or stroke compared to traditional cholesterol testing. Combined with personalized, one-on-one consultations, these insights allow your physician to create a customized wellness plan tailored to your specific health needs. It’s a more proactive and comprehensive approach to maintaining your health.

Why do doctors choose concierge medicine?

Many physicians choose concierge medicine to practice in a more patient-centered and proactive way. This model allows them to spend more time with patients, focus on prevention rather than just treatment, and utilize advanced tools and technologies. It also reduces administrative burdens and long wait times, enabling more meaningful doctor–patient relationships. Additionally, concierge medicine allows physicians to maintain independence and preserve a more personalized, private practice environment.

Does my insurance cover the annual program fee?

No. The annual membership fee for Elite Medical Associates covers services that are not typically included in standard insurance plans and is not reimbursable through insurance.

Where are the tests and diagnostic screenings performed?

Most tests—such as blood work, EKGs, vision and hearing exams, and body composition analysis—are conducted in our office. Some specialized tests may require visits to a local lab, radiology center, or specialist.

Can my doctor see me at the hospital?

Yes. Our physicians support patients during hospital stays through visits, phone calls, and coordination with hospital staff. Dr. Sharma has admitting privileges at several local hospitals. Please inform our office if you are hospitalized, as we may not be notified automatically.

Which hospitals is Elite Medical Associates affiliated with?

We are affiliated with several hospitals, including Summerlin Hospital, Centennial Hills Hospital, Sunrise Hospital, Mountain View Hospital, Southern Hills Hospital, Kindred Hospital (Flamingo and Sahara), and Post-Acute Medical Hospital.

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for the membership fee?

Yes. Depending on your plan, the membership fee may be reimbursable through HSA, FSA, MSA, or HRA accounts after services are provided. We can supply documentation to support your reimbursement request.

Do I have to pay the annual fee all at once?

No. Flexible payment options are available, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual plans. Payments can be made via credit card or automatic bank debit.

Is the annual fee tax deductible?

It may be deductible if you itemize medical expenses. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership?

A refund may be available if the initial evaluation has not been completed. After the evaluation, refunds are not provided, and any remaining balance is still due.

Can my doctor see visiting family members if needed?

Yes, your doctor may treat out-of-town guests for urgent or sick visits. Applicable fees, copays, or out-of-network charges may apply.

What happens if my doctor is unavailable?

Coverage will be arranged with another concierge physician, and you will be provided with the necessary contact information.

How do Medical Centers of Excellence referrals work?

If specialized care or a second opinion is needed, your physician can help coordinate a referral to a Medical Center of Excellence, based on your needs, insurance, and ability to travel.

Is there an additional fee for Medical Centers of Excellence referrals?

No. However, any treatment, travel, or accommodation costs are your responsibility and may be billed through your insurance, depending on your coverage.

Membership & Value

What makes membership at Elite Medical Associates different?

We intentionally limit our patient panel to provide more time, direct access, and attentive follow-through. Members benefit from same- or next-day appointments, extended visits, proactive risk assessment, and a personalized healthspan plan led by Dr. Sharma.

What does my annual membership include?

Membership includes a comprehensive intake and annual exam, extended appointments, direct physician communication, expedited care for urgent needs, proactive care coordination, advanced risk assessment when appropriate, and an evolving, personalized health plan.

Do you cap the number of members?

Yes. Membership is limited to ensure a high level of access and quality. When capacity is reached, a waitlist is maintained.

Do I have to pay the annual fee all at once?

Yes. The annual membership fee is due in full at enrollment and must be received before scheduling your initial comprehensive visit. Once that visit begins, your membership is activated and the fee becomes non-refundable. In select cases, a management-approved payment arrangement may be available.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership?

If your initial comprehensive visit has not yet begun, please contact us to review your request. Once the visit begins, the annual fee is non-refundable, as physician time and resources have been reserved on your behalf.

When is my membership considered active?

Your membership becomes active at the start of your initial comprehensive visit, after which you receive priority access and ongoing support throughout the year.

Why is full payment required before booking?

Full payment allows us to reserve dedicated physician time, coordinate any necessary pre-visit testing, and deliver the high-touch, personalized experience our members expect.

Insurance, Medicare & Payment Tools

How does my insurance work with a concierge practice?

We accept most major insurance plans for covered medical services. Your membership fee is separate and covers services typically not included in insurance, such as extended visits, direct physician access, proactive care coordination, and personalized health planning. Standard copays, coinsurance, and deductibles still apply.

Does insurance cover the annual membership fee?

No. The membership fee covers services outside of standard insurance benefits and is not reimbursable by insurance.

Do you accept Medicare?

Yes, we accept Medicare for covered services. However, Medicare does not cover the membership fee.

Can I use HSA/FSA funds? Is the fee tax-deductible?

In some cases, HSA or FSA funds may be used for eligible expenses after services are provided, depending on your specific plan. We can provide detailed statements upon request. Tax deductibility varies, so we recommend consulting your benefits administrator or tax advisor.

Access, Appointments & Communication

How quickly do you respond?

Most portal messages are answered the same business day (within 24 hours at most). For urgent concerns, please call the office—members receive priority access with same- or next-day appointments.

How long are appointments?

Initial comprehensive visits typically last 60–90 minutes, while follow-up appointments range from 30–60 minutes based on your needs. We prioritize thorough, unrushed care.

What happens when my doctor is away?

We arrange coverage with a trusted concierge physician and provide you with their contact information, ensuring continuity of care.

Do you support members who travel or live part-time elsewhere?

Yes. We offer virtual visits when appropriate and can help coordinate care with trusted local providers while you’re away.

Diagnostics, Hospitals & Referrals

Where are tests and diagnostic screenings performed?

Many services—such as blood draws, EKGs, vision and hearing tests, body composition, and select performance testing—are completed in our office. When needed, we coordinate outside labs or imaging and explain your results clearly.

Can you see me at the hospital?

We support your hospital care through direct coordination, including phone check-ins and in-person visits when possible. We also help align inpatient care with your medical history and goals. Please notify us if you are admitted so we can assist promptly.

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?

We work with several Las Vegas hospitals, including Summerlin, Centennial Hills, Sunrise, Mountain View, Southern Hills, and Kindred (Flamingo & Sahara). Affiliations may change, so please contact us for the most up-to-date information.

Do you charge extra for Medical Centers of Excellence referrals?

No. We do not charge an additional fee for referrals. However, any treatment, travel, or accommodation costs are your responsibility and may be billed by the outside facility or your insurance.

Plans & Options

We’ll always tell you upfront if a service isn’t covered by insurance or Medicare.
What are the differences between your plans?
  • Concierge Primary Care: Comprehensive internal medicine with extended visits, proactive prevention, care coordination, and direct, rapid communication for your everyday health needs.
  • Elite Longevity Optimization: Includes all Concierge Primary Care services, plus a more advanced, data-driven approach with quarterly in-depth sessions, ongoing biomarker and wearable data review, and personalized performance and recovery strategies. This plan may also include genomic testing with physician interpretation and access to advanced, physician-guided protocols when appropriate.
  • Executive Health Screen: A one-time, comprehensive evaluation with follow-up and a detailed health plan—ideal for those seeking a thorough baseline assessment before committing to membership.
Are labs, diagnostics, medications, or third-party services included in membership fees?

Membership covers physician time, expertise, access, and care coordination. Labs, diagnostics, medications, and external services are billed separately through your insurance or directly by the provider. We review expected costs with you in advance.

Which hospitals are you affiliated with?

We work with several Las Vegas hospitals, including Summerlin, Centennial Hills, Sunrise, Mountain View, Southern Hills, and Kindred (Flamingo & Sahara). Affiliations may change, so please contact us for the most current information.

Do you charge extra for Medical Centers of Excellence referrals?

No. We do not charge an additional fee for referrals. However, any treatment, travel, or accommodation costs are your responsibility and may be billed by the outside facility or your insurance.

Investigational & Advanced Therapies

Investigational biologics are offered only within IRB-approved protocols and are not FDA-approved.

Do you offer exosomes, secretomes, or peptides? Why?

Yes, but only within IRB-approved investigational protocols when appropriate. These therapies are not FDA-approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. We consider them because we closely follow emerging research and are interested in their potential. However, we only recommend options we believe are appropriate, and participation is entirely voluntary with informed consent.

Are investigational therapies included in membership?

No. Investigational therapies are separate from membership and billed independently. If you qualify and choose to participate, we will review risks, alternatives, and costs in detail and provide close monitoring throughout.

How do you decide which advanced modality belongs in my plan?

We begin with your goals—such as cognition, metabolism, body composition, endurance, or recovery—along with your biomarkers and performance data. From there, we recommend interventions with the most appropriate risk-benefit profile. When evidence is still emerging, we clearly communicate that and prioritize a conservative, safety-first approach.

Do you charge extra for Medical Centers of Excellence referrals?

No. We do not charge an additional fee for referrals. However, any treatment, travel, or accommodation costs are your responsibility and may be billed by the outside facility or your insurance.

Family & Guests

Can you see visiting family members?

Yes, in many cases. We can see out-of-town guests on a case-by-case basis, depending on availability. Acute or urgent visits may involve additional fees and are typically considered out-of-network services.

Renewal & Getting Started

How does renewal work?

Approximately 30 days before your anniversary, we review your progress, update your health plan, and discuss renewal options. It’s also an opportunity to set new goals and reflect on your year of care.

How do I get started?

Start with a welcome call, complete a brief intake, and submit your membership payment. We’ll then schedule your initial comprehensive visit and coordinate any needed pre-visit labs. From the beginning, you’ll experience the benefits of a small, high-touch practice.

Therapy-specific FAQs

Some therapies below have established uses; others are emerging with early or mixed data. We’ll tell you what’s known, what’s unknown, and keep your plan conservative. Your safety and outcomes come first.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

What is it?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) delivers oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is a well-established medical treatment with specific, guideline-recognized clinical uses.

Why or when might it be used here?

In our practice, select members may use HBOT as part of a physician-guided longevity and recovery plan to support cellular repair and overall wellness. It is not used to diagnose or treat specific diseases. We carefully evaluate each case and set clear expectations before recommending it.

What should I expect?

Sessions are conducted in a comfortable, pressurized chamber under clinical supervision. Prior to treatment, we screen for ear, sinus, and other contraindications to ensure safety and suitability.

Photobiomodulation (Red/Near-IR Light)

What is it?

Red and near-infrared light therapy uses specific wavelengths of non-thermal light to support cellular activity and biological function.

Why or when?

It is commonly used to support recovery, performance, and tissue repair. In some cases, we may integrate it into training or recovery programs. The evidence base is still evolving across different applications.

What should I expect?

Treatment is comfortable and noninvasive. Session frequency and duration are personalized based on your goals and how you respond over time.

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields)

What is it?

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses applied to tissues. Some studies suggest potential benefits for pain and recovery, though overall evidence quality is still variable.

Why or when?

It may be used as an adjunct to support circulation, recovery, and performance, sometimes combined with other modalities such as light or sauna therapy. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

What should I expect?

Sessions are typically short and noninvasive. We monitor your subjective feedback and functional response over time to assess suitability and benefit.

NanoVi

What is it?

A biophotonic adjunct device marketed to support oxidative stress balance and overall cellular resilience. Current high-quality clinical evidence is limited, so we use it selectively as a low-risk supportive option with realistic expectations.

Why or when?

It may be used as a brief, in-clinic add-on to complement broader recovery and wellness-focused care plans.

BrainTap + Neural Chek HRV

What is it?

Guided neuro-training sessions paired with heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring. HRV is a well-established measure of autonomic nervous system balance and stress response.

Why or when?

It is used to support stress resilience, focus, and cognitive recovery, while tracking how your body adapts over time.

What should I expect?

Sessions are delivered through a headset-based system in a calm setting. We track HRV trends over time and adjust your program based on your response.

IV Ozone

What is it?

An adjunct therapy used in some longevity and integrative medicine settings. The scientific evidence and regulatory guidance are still evolving, with mixed findings regarding both potential benefits and safety. For this reason, we approach it cautiously, with careful screening and informed consent.

Why or when?

It is considered only for select members after a thorough physician-led review of potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

What should I expect?

If deemed appropriate, it is delivered in a controlled clinical setting. It is not included in membership and is billed separately.

 

Infrared Sauna / Cold Plunge (Contrast)

What is it?

Controlled heat and cold exposure used to support recovery, circulation, and stress adaptation. Sauna use is supported by observational and review data, while cold-water immersion shows mixed but potentially beneficial effects for athletic recovery.

Why or when?

It may be used to support cardiometabolic health, recovery, and stress resilience, with protocols tailored to your individual tolerance and goals.

What should I expect?

We start with conservative time and temperature targets and adjust gradually based on your response and comfort level.

Molecular Hydrogen / Halotherapy / Vibro-Acoustic

What is it?

Molecular hydrogen (H₂): An investigational antioxidant and signaling modulator with emerging research; human clinical data are still developing.
Halotherapy (salt room): Exposure to aerosolized salt particles, proposed to support airway comfort and hygiene. Current evidence is limited and not supported by major clinical guidelines for routine use.
Vibro-acoustic therapy (VAT): Use of sound-induced vibrations intended to promote relaxation and reduce discomfort. Early studies and reviews suggest potential benefits, but stronger clinical evidence is still needed.

Why or when?

These modalities may be used as adjuncts to support goals such as relaxation, stress modulation, and perceived respiratory comfort. We are transparent about the current strength of evidence and use them selectively with conservative application.

What should I expect?

Sessions are comfort-focused and noninvasive. They are offered only when the potential benefit outweighs the burden for your individual plan, and usage is tailored to your response over time.

Sports PT & Performance Testing

What is it?

Objective performance and body composition testing, which may include VO₂ max/CPET, resting metabolic rate (RMR), DEXA scanning, and 3D movement analysis. CPET/VO₂ testing is considered a gold-standard method for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness.

Why or when?

These assessments help make your plan data-driven by defining individualized training zones, identifying metabolic efficiency, and tracking measurable progress over time.

What should I expect?

Testing is conducted in a supervised, lab-style setting with physician or exercise physiology oversight. Results are reviewed with you and directly translated into practical adjustments to your training and recovery plan.

Membership fees are due in full at enrollment and become non-refundable once your initial visit begins. We’re happy to answer questions before you enroll so you can move forward with confidence.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help you understand your options and determine if Elite Medical Associates is the right fit for your health goals. Reach out to our team or schedule a consultation for personalized guidance.

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