Prospective Patients
Concierge medicine is a popular option for patients who are looking for a more personalized relationship with their physician.
Concierge medicine is a popular option for patients who are looking for a more personalized relationship with their physician. In a traditional medical practice, doctors see up to 15-20 patients per day and often can spend only 15 minutes with each patient. With average practice panel sizes of more than 2,000 patients, primary care doctors struggle to address the needs of their patients in a timely manner. Patients often wait weeks to months to see their physician only to feel rushed during the appointment. This traditional model of medicine frustrates both patients and physicians.
Concierge medicine is an alternative practice model that allows for better access to your physician and more individualized medical care. Since physicians in a concierge practice have a reduced patient panel size, appointments are easier to schedule in a timely manner, including same-day/next-day availability for urgent matters. Physicians have more time to spend with their patients addressing their medical concerns and discussing the diagnosis and treatment plan. Patients appreciate that their physician is accessible between office visits for quick questions or advice. And doctors appreciate the opportunity to care for the whole patient without feeling rushed.
Personalized Medical Care
Dr. Kennedy will have a limited number of patients in her panel in order to provide personalized and accessible health care.
Longer & Easy to Schedule Appointments
Schedule unhurried appointments easily through the patient portal, phone, or text.
Virtual Care
Ideal for when you’re unable to come to the office.
Direct Access to Your Physician
Dr. Kennedy is available through the patient portal, telephone, and text.
Coordination of Care
Dr. Kennedy will coordinate care with your specialists and hospital team, if needed, to help you understand the plan of care.
Convenient Location
The office is conveniently located just one block from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Easily accessible by car and public transportation. Discounted parking with validation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can see Dr. Kennedy?
Is Dr. Kennedy board-certified?
Yes, Dr. Kennedy is certified to practice medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and will meet all continuing medical education requirements to maintain her certification.
How much does it cost to become a patient of Dr. Kennedy?
Membership fees are paid annually. Please inquire with the office for more information. Membership ensures there are no additional charges for office visits, virtual care, or any other communication with your doctor. This means there are no co-pays.
What services are covered by the annual fee?
The following services are included in 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 office visits and telemedicine visits to address sickness, new medical concerns, or to follow-up existing health issues
- Direct access to your physician through the patient portal, telephone, and text
- Coordination of medical care with your specialists
- Tests completed in the office, known as Point of Care testing, with immediately available results
- ECGs and spirometry (lung function testing) when indicated
- Convenience of on-site lab for blood draws and vaccine administration*
**The cost of lab tests (excluding the labs included with your annual physical) and vaccines will be billed directly to your insurance by the NMH 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 stated services are covered by the annual fee.
Do I need to keep my insurance?
Yes! Your insurance will be billed directly for lab tests that are not included the annual physical, vaccines that are administered in the office, any diagnostic testing not performed in the office, specialist visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
How and when can I communicate with my doctor?
You may reach Dr. Kennedy during regular office hours via the patient portal, telephone, or text. You can also reach Dr. Kennedy directly after hours for emergency care through the answering service.
Will it be difficult to see my doctor in a timely fashion?
No, appointments with Dr. Kennedy will be readily available. Dr. Kennedy limits the number of patients in her panel to ensure she can provide timely and personalized care to each patient.
How and when can I schedule appointments?
Appointment scheduling is available by calling the office or sending a message through the patient portal. Appointments are scheduled at your convenience with the same day or next availability for urgent issues. Ample time is allotted for appointments.
Will Dr. Kennedy have access to my medical records?
Yes. Dr. Kennedy has access to Epic, the electronic health record (EHR) used by Northwestern Medicine and many other health care institutions in Chicago and nationwide. If you have been a patient at Northwestern Medicine, your medical records are available to Dr. Kennedy. 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, Mayo Clinic, and many more), it is likely that Dr. Kennedy will have access to your medical records through the “Care Everywhere” portal in Epic. If your medical records are not accessible electronically, a copy of your medical records may be requested by completing a Release of Information form in the office.
What about emergencies?
While Dr. Kennedy strives to keep patients out of the emergency room by providing timely care, emergencies still happen. Dr. Kennedy’s patients can receive emergency care at any facility of their choosing. Dr. Kennedy will be available for consultation with any emergency care physicians. Emergency room care will be 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 continue to participate in my medical care?
Dr. Kennedy will coordinate care with your inpatient (hospitalist) team at the institution where you are admitted. Given Dr. Kennedy’s privileges at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, this coordination of care is most seamless if you are admitted to a Northwestern Medicine facility.
Become a Member
Thank you for your interest in joining Dr. Kennedy’s practice!
To become a member of the practice, please contact the office to discuss membership details. No insurance is accepted, but the office will keep your insurance information on file in order to obtain authorization from your insurance for any medication or tests you may need in the future.
The membership contract is not a replacement for insurance coverage. You should keep health insurance coverages for services not covered by the annual fee. Some flexible spending or health savings accounts may offer coverage for the annual fee, or in some cases, it may be a tax-deductible health care expense. You may wish to consult with your tax advisor to clarify your particular situation.