Question 1

What is Emerald Peak Health?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak Health is a physician-led health membership that brings Medicine, Performance, and Mindset into one longitudinal health strategy. Medicine serves as the clinical foundation, while Performance and Mindset expertise can be incorporated when they add value to the member's goals.

Question 2

Is Emerald Peak a Direct Primary Care practice?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak's Medicine membership incorporates a direct-care relationship and may operate within a Direct Primary Care structure, but the model is intentionally broader than conventional DPC. The objective is not simply easier access to primary care. Emerald Peak combines comprehensive medical care, prevention, longitudinal planning, measurement, healthcare navigation, and integration with Performance and Mindset when appropriate.

Question 3

Is Emerald Peak concierge medicine?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak is a membership-based medical practice, but we generally do not use concierge medicine to define the model. The membership is designed around longitudinal physician-led health management rather than preferential access layered on top of a traditional fee-for-service practice.

Question 4

How long is the membership commitment?

Accepted Answer

Medicine membership is designed as an annual relationship. Current payment, renewal, cancellation, and termination terms are governed by the Membership Agreement.

Question 5

Can I pay annually?

Accepted Answer

Payment options are described during the consultation and enrollment process. Current payment, renewal, and billing terms are governed by the Membership Agreement.

Question 6

How often will I meet with my physician?

Accepted Answer

The membership is structured around a comprehensive onboarding followed by formal Progress Reviews approximately every four months. Medical care is not limited to those reviews. Members may receive clinically appropriate care between formal milestones for acute illness, new symptoms, medication management, chronic conditions, follow-up, and other medical needs.

Question 7

Is there a limit on visits?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak does not structure care around a fixed annual visit allowance. The frequency and format of care are based on clinical need and the member's health strategy. Formal Progress Reviews provide recurring structure, while additional care occurs when clinically appropriate.

Question 8

Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Accepted Answer

Membership fees are typically HSA and FSA eligible. We provide documentation to help with reimbursement, and we recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator before enrolling.

Question 9

Can I keep my regular doctor and still be a member?

Accepted Answer

Some members choose to maintain relationships with other healthcare providers, and that is perfectly fine. Dr. Gaynor is happy to coordinate care with your other physicians and can serve as your primary care physician or as a complementary partner in your healthcare team.

Question 10

Are labs included?

Accepted Answer

Medicine membership includes one foundational laboratory assessment per membership year when ordered by Emerald Peak, clinically appropriate, and completed through the Practice's designated laboratory arrangement. Additional, repeat, specialty, medication-monitoring, and pathway-specific laboratory testing is generally separate.

Question 11

What is in the foundational lab panel?

Accepted Answer

The planned foundational assessment includes clinically appropriate testing from the following: CBC, comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel, ApoB, hemoglobin A1c, TSH, high-sensitivity CRP, vitamin D, PSA for clinically appropriate male members, and Lp(a) once at baseline when not previously adequately documented. The exact panel may evolve based on evidence, clinical standards, laboratory arrangements, and individual circumstances.

Question 12

Are hormone labs included?

Accepted Answer

The annual foundational assessment may contain laboratory information relevant to overall health, but additional baseline, follow-up, or monitoring tests required specifically for hormone therapy are generally separate.

Question 13

Are additional labs for GLP-1 treatment included?

Accepted Answer

Additional nutritional, metabolic, medication-monitoring, or other pathway-specific testing required for medical weight management is generally separate unless expressly identified as included.

Question 14

Are medications included in membership?

Accepted Answer

No. Prescription medications, compounded medications, supplements, pharmacy charges, and other medication or product costs are generally separate unless expressly identified as included.

Question 15

Does Emerald Peak prescribe GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak may prescribe GLP-1 or related medical weight-management therapy when clinically appropriate. Membership does not guarantee eligibility for a medication, insurance coverage, pharmacy availability, or access to a particular product.

Question 16

Does Emerald Peak prescribe compounded GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

Compounded therapy may be considered when legally available, clinically appropriate, and sourced through an acceptable pharmacy. Compounded medication is not guaranteed, and availability may change based on law, regulation, supply, pharmacy capability, and clinical judgment.

Question 17

Does Emerald Peak provide hormone therapy?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak evaluates and manages appropriate hormonal concerns in men and women, including menopausal hormone therapy and testosterone therapy when clinically indicated. Treatment is individualized, and membership does not guarantee a particular hormone prescription, dose, formulation, or laboratory target.

Question 18

Can Emerald Peak manage ADHD medications?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak may manage ADHD medications, including stimulants, when the physician determines that treatment is clinically appropriate and can be safely managed within the Practice. Controlled-substance requirements and monitoring apply. For members receiving chronic stimulant treatment, Emerald Peak recommends periodic specialist evaluation and currently recommends psychiatric evaluation approximately annually.

Question 19

Do I have to buy supplements through Emerald Peak?

Accepted Answer

No. You are never required to purchase supplements through the practice. Members receive access to Fullscript, an online platform offering professional-grade, third-party tested supplements at preferred pricing, but where you purchase supplements is entirely your choice.

Question 20

Is Performance included in Medicine membership?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak strongly recommends objective Performance assessment as part of the broader member experience. The initial Performance assessment is expected to occur during the early membership period, and a reassessment is planned during the first membership year, each subject to the final partner arrangement, economics, and availability. Ongoing training, physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other Performance services may be separately contracted and billed.

Question 21

Do I need to be an athlete?

Accepted Answer

No. Performance at Emerald Peak is about physical capacity, not athletic identity. Members may want to become stronger, improve cardiovascular fitness, return to an activity, reduce physical limitations, prepare for an event, or simply remain highly capable as they age.

Question 22

Will I get a VO2 max or DEXA scan?

Accepted Answer

The exact Performance assessment is individualized and will depend on the final protocol and available expertise. Emerald Peak focuses on obtaining measurements that meaningfully inform the member's plan rather than performing tests simply because they are available.

Question 23

Is Mindset therapy?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Mindset may involve performance psychology, executive performance, behavior change, stress management, recovery, psychological wellbeing, or other appropriate expertise. When a member needs clinical mental-health treatment, Emerald Peak can help identify appropriate licensed care.

Question 24

Are Mindset sessions included in Medicine membership?

Accepted Answer

No. At launch, Mindset services are expected to be provided by selected independent professionals and separately contracted and billed. With member authorization, relevant recommendations may be incorporated into the broader Emerald Peak Action Plan.

Question 25

What is the Wellness Room?

Accepted Answer

The planned Emerald Peak location will include a private recovery environment with planned modalities including sauna, cold plunge, red light therapy, steam shower, and a zero-gravity meditation and recovery chair. The Wellness Room is a recovery amenity integrated into the Emerald Peak experience. It is not a fourth clinical pillar.

Question 26

How many Wellness Room sessions are included?

Accepted Answer

Once the planned full-location Wellness Room is operational, active Medicine members will receive three included sessions during each 12-month membership year, corresponding approximately with the recurring Medicine touchpoints. Each included session may be used during the same calendar month as the corresponding Medicine visit. Unused sessions do not roll over, have no cash value, and are nontransferable.

Question 27

Can I use the Wellness Room more often?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once operational, additional member-only access is planned through à la carte sessions and higher-frequency monthly access options.

Question 28

Can I contact Emerald Peak after hours?

Accepted Answer

Members may use the Practice-designated clinical communication pathway for urgent after-hours concerns. However, messages are not continuously monitored and an after-hours response is not guaranteed. Routine messages sent after hours are generally reviewed during the next published business period.

Question 29

Is Emerald Peak available 24/7?

Accepted Answer

No. Emerald Peak provides enhanced access and continuity but is not a continuously staffed 24/7 medical service.

Question 30

What should I do in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak is not an emergency medical service. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek care at the nearest appropriate emergency department rather than waiting for a response from Emerald Peak.

Question 31

What happens when my physician is unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak may arrange coverage through another qualified physician or DPC coverage partner. Depending on the situation, members may also be directed to urgent care, an emergency department, or another appropriate resource.

Question 32

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Members can schedule appointments directly through the patient portal, which also provides a secure channel for clinical messages to the practice.

Question 33

Can I use telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when telehealth is clinically appropriate and the Emerald Peak clinician is legally permitted to provide care where the member is physically located. Some concerns require an in-person examination, testing, imaging, or another level of care.

Question 34

Can Emerald Peak care for me while I am traveling?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak can remain an important resource while you travel, but the ability to provide medical evaluation or treatment depends on where you are physically located and whether the treating clinician is legally permitted to practice there. When direct clinical care cannot be provided, Emerald Peak may still be able to assist with non-clinical navigation and coordination.

Question 35

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak serves patients throughout Colorado, with a primary focus on the South Denver to Colorado Springs corridor. In-person visits are offered within the service area, and telehealth is available for qualifying patients throughout Colorado when clinically appropriate.

Question 36

Do I still need health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emerald Peak membership is not health insurance and is not a substitute for insurance or other financial protection against major medical expenses. Members should maintain appropriate coverage for hospital care, emergency care, specialists, imaging, procedures, medications, and other services outside the Practice.

Question 37

Will Emerald Peak bill my insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Emerald Peak does not bill insurance for membership services. Membership fees are paid directly to the practice under the terms of the Membership Agreement, which keeps the clinical relationship independent of insurance billing rules, visit limits, and prior-authorization requirements.

Question 38

What happens if I need a specialist?

Accepted Answer

Emerald Peak helps members navigate specialty care when clinically appropriate. That may include identifying appropriate specialists, coordinating records, communicating with outside clinicians, reviewing recommendations, and integrating significant outside care back into the member's broader health strategy. Outside specialist fees remain separate.

Question 39

Can Emerald Peak guarantee a faster specialist appointment?

Accepted Answer

No. Emerald Peak will make reasonable efforts to help members navigate the healthcare system but cannot guarantee third-party appointment availability, pricing, insurance coverage, or outcomes.

Question 40

Can Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE beneficiaries join?

Accepted Answer

We are unable to accept patients who have Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans as members at this time. Federal regulations governing Direct Primary Care practices create restrictions that prevent us from providing membership services to Medicare beneficiaries. If you have questions about eligibility under another federal or state program, please contact the practice before enrolling so we can discuss your specific situation.

Question 41

Do you see pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

The practice focuses on adult medicine for patients 18 years and older. This allows us to specialize in the health needs, preventive care, and long-term strategy most relevant to adults.

Question 42

Will Emerald Peak communicate with my other clinicians?

Accepted Answer

When clinically appropriate and with the necessary authorization, Emerald Peak may communicate with specialists, Performance professionals, Mindset professionals, and other members of your care team to help coordinate your broader health strategy. Information sharing remains subject to applicable privacy requirements and member authorization.

Question 43

Is my health information private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Emerald Peak handles protected health information in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and the Practice's Notice of Privacy Practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Model

Membership

Labs and Testing

Medications

Performance

Mindset

Wellness Room

Access and Urgent Care

Telehealth and Travel

Insurance and Outside Care

Eligibility

Privacy and Coordination

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