Become a patient
Concierge medicine is for people who want a more personal relationship with their physician. It starts with a Meet & Greet. Call or text the office to schedule one.
New patients start with a Meet & Greet.
Why choose concierge medicine?
In a traditional practice, doctors see up to 15 to 20 patients a day and can often spend only 15 minutes with each one. With panels of more than 2,000 patients, primary care doctors struggle to address needs in a timely way. Patients often wait weeks or months for an appointment, only to feel rushed once they are there. That model frustrates patients and physicians alike.
Concierge medicine is an alternative that allows better access to your physician and more individualized care. With a smaller panel, appointments are easier to schedule, and urgent concerns are seen promptly. Your physician has time to address your concerns and talk through the diagnosis and plan. Between visits, she is reachable for quick questions or advice. And she gets to care for the whole patient without feeling rushed.
Frequently asked questions
Who can see Dr. Kennedy?
Dr. Kennedy’s practice is adult internal medicine. New patients begin with a Meet & Greet to explore whether the practice is the right fit. Because Dr. Kennedy limits the size of her panel, there is often a waiting list. If it’s the right fit at the Meet & Greet, you can join the waiting list and the office will contact you when a spot opens.
Is Dr. Kennedy board-certified?
Yes. Dr. Kennedy is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and meets all continuing medical education requirements to maintain her certification.
How much does it cost to become a patient?
Membership fees are paid annually. Please inquire with the office for current details. Membership means there are no additional charges for office visits, virtual care, or any other communication with your doctor. There are no co-pays.
What services are covered by the annual fee?
- An annual comprehensive physical with a standard panel of routine blood tests: blood counts, chemistry panel, diabetes screening, cholesterol panel, thyroid test
- Women’s health care, including breast exams and Pap smears
- Management of chronic health conditions
- In-person and telemedicine visits for sickness, new concerns, or follow-up of existing issues
- Direct access to your physician through the patient portal, telephone, and text
- Coordination of medical care with your specialists
- Point-of-care tests completed in the office, with immediate results
- ECGs and spirometry (lung function testing) when indicated
- On-site lab for blood draws and vaccine administration*
*Lab tests, other than those included with your annual physical, and vaccines are billed directly to your insurance by the Northwestern Memorial Hospital lab and Vaxcare, respectively.
Do you take insurance?
Dr. Kennedy does not accept insurance payment for medical services and has opted out of Medicare. The services listed above are covered by the annual fee.
Do I need to keep my insurance?
Yes. Your insurance is billed directly for lab tests not included in the annual physical, vaccines given in the office, diagnostic testing performed outside the office, specialist visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
How and when can I communicate with my doctor?
During regular office hours, you can reach Dr. Kennedy through the patient portal, by telephone, or by text.
Will it be difficult to see my doctor in a timely fashion?
No. Dr. Kennedy limits the number of patients in her panel so that appointments are readily available and each patient receives timely, personalized care.
How and when can I schedule appointments?
Call the office or send a message through the patient portal. Appointments are scheduled at your convenience, urgent issues are seen promptly, and ample time is allotted for each visit.
Will Dr. Kennedy have access to my medical records?
Yes. Dr. Kennedy uses Epic, the electronic health record used by Northwestern Medicine and many other institutions in Chicago and nationwide. If you have been a patient at Northwestern Medicine, your records are already available to her.
If you have been seen at another institution that uses Epic, such as NorthShore University Health System, Rush University Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, AMITA Health, Advocate Health Care, or Mayo Clinic, it is likely she can access your records through Epic’s Care Everywhere. If your records are not available electronically, you can request a copy by completing a Release of Information form in the office.
What about emergencies?
Dr. Kennedy works to keep patients out of the emergency room by providing timely care, but emergencies still happen. Her patients can receive emergency care at any facility of their choosing, and she is available for consultation with the emergency physicians. Emergency room care is billed to your insurance.
With which hospital is Dr. Kennedy affiliated?
Dr. Kennedy is on the medical staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
If I am hospitalized, how will you participate in my care?
Dr. Kennedy coordinates with the inpatient (hospitalist) team at the institution where you are admitted. Given her privileges at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, that coordination is most seamless at a Northwestern Medicine facility.
Become a member
Thank you for your interest in joining Dr. Kennedy’s practice. To become a member, contact the office to discuss membership details.
No insurance is accepted for membership, but the office keeps your insurance information on file to obtain authorization for any medication or tests you may need.
The membership contract is not a replacement for insurance. Keep health insurance for services not covered by the annual fee. Some flexible spending or health savings accounts may cover the annual fee, or it may be a tax-deductible health care expense. Consult your tax advisor about your situation.