Health Insurance

Accepted Insurance Plans (subject to change)

After decades as a PPO provider for essentially all major insurance plans, The Practice in 2024-25 has moved toward a self-pay model.  We have navigated and fought the health insurance system for decades and this is a time to be free of that.  Sorry for the challenge this poses for some.

Our self-pay rates are competitive with other physicians with the experience, credentials and expertise that Dr. Schechter brings to your office visit.  If you have questions, please call us at (310) 836-2225 to clarify.

Our in-network plans are currently Cigna PPO and  Aetna PPO.   For other insurances, you may get reimbursed, after the fact, by submitting a HCFA form that the secretary can provide.  Also, labs and imaging can be covered by your insurance in most cases.

We have opted out of Medicare as of October 1, 2024.  At this time, you can sign a “self-pay” contract and continue to see us, but paying for our services and Medicare does not reimburse you.  Labs, outside services referred to by Dr. Schechter are still Medicare eligible.

Self-pay and VIP options

Self-Pay Options

Patients worry, rightfully so, if they have “lost” health insurance.  We try to remind them that office visits with Dr. Schechter are surprisingly affordable.  Even if you have to pay out of pocket for a physical (about $370) and 3 office visits (each $185-255 for an established patient) a year, plus some lab work, you will typically spend under $975 for the entire year.  So why do you need health insurance, with premiums often $500 to $1200 per month, or more!?  Hospitalizations and surgery are expensive and this is the great benefit of having health insurance.  Office visits for family medicine and sports medicine care in our office are far more reasonable and are often paid out of pocket by individuals with HMO plans or other limitations in coverage when they want to see a physician of choice.

                                                                                                          VIP Options

 It seems to be getting increasingly difficult to find a primary care physician or, in fact, any physician, in West Los Angeles, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Hancock Park, Bel Air, etc.   Many are not accepting new patients and for others it can take three or more months to make an appointment.   Some practices have gone concierge with annual fees of $3000, $5000 or more per year!

To become a priority patient of this practice, patients choose the VIP program.    In the event that this practice limits new patients or reduces the number of existing patients, VIP patients will still be afforded the highest levels of service.

The VIP annual fee begins at $1000.  Some individuals, with mutual agreement, are charged more, or less, due to specific needs, high frequency of phone calls/emails, etc.   Cristina, at the front office, can work this out with you.

• You may enter the program any time during the year, for a twelve month period. renewal is up to you each 12 months. The full year’s fee is typically paid up front.
• The VIP fee is for certain “non-covered” services; your PPO insurance or self-pay fees are still the main focus and it/you are responsible for all covered services.
• The VIP patients may also have other benefits such as bi-annual webinars with the doctor and other VIP patients (anonymously) and an opportunity to participate in other health-advancing projects.