Over the past few years, primary care has evolved at breakneck speed—costs are rising, and the process is more complicated than ever.

Small, independent clinics like AceMed Seattle continue to become scarce as larger healthcare systems buy up or replace them with high-volume practices, forcing providers to see upwards of 30+ patients each day.

That’s a recipe for maximizing shareholder profits at the expense of quality patinet.

We’re committed to giving you the thoughtful attention, extended visits, and integrative care you expect, even though it runs against the grain of current insurance models.

Why We’re Introducing a Non-Covered Facility Fee

At AceMed Seattle, we dedicate significant time to activities insurance won’t pay for—things like reviewing records, coordinating with other healthcare professionals, answering follow-up messages, completing medical forms, and more. These tasks, known as “Non-Covered Services,” are essential in delivering the truly comprehensive care you deserve. Rather than limit these services, we want to protect them—and keep them working for you. But doing so requires additional resources and staffing, which insurance simply doesn’t cover.

We’ve looked at all possible ways to remain an independent practice while still accepting insurance. Ultimately, the only sustainable path forward is to start charging a Non-Covered Services Fee. Rest assured, we’ll keep billing your insurance for the medical services they do cover. This new fee, however, ensures we can continue giving you the high-quality, holistic care you value—everything from thorough follow-up to helping you sort out complicated insurance or pharmacy issues.

Our Commitments to You

• We will stay independent, free from large institutional oversight.

• We will continue billing insurance for covered medical services.

• We will only work with insurance plans that pay us (closer to) fairly, focusing on those that adequately reimburse for comprehensive care.

• We will maintain affordable cash-pay options for anyone not using insurance.

• We will remain a small, patient-centered practice that can offer the time and attention you need.

• We will preserve longer visit lengths so that you get genuine care without feeling rushed compared to large, high volume clinics.

• We will purposely cultivate a clinic culture centered on personal connection, to be there for you during crucial life moments.

• We will evolve our practice model to protect the sacred patient-provider connection that is lost in a large, impersonal healthcare systems.

What Are “Non-Covered Services”?

They’re the behind-the-scenes actions that let us deliver high quality care. Insurers don’t deem these tasks “medically necessary” unless they happen during a face-to-face visit, yet they’re critical for a holistic health experience. Examples include:

• Secure portal messaging between visits

• Completing paperwork such as FMLA forms, sports physicals, or vaccine records outside a scheduled appointment

• Pharmacy coordination and prior authorizations for tests, imaging, and medications

• Researching specialty referrals, troubleshooting lab or billing issues

• Providing additional guidance, education, and community resources that further enhances your overall health

How It Works

1. Monthly Fee

• $35/Month for Individuals, $100/Month Family Maximum

• Ideal if you regularly reach out for support, send messages, need care coordination, or prefer to avoid one-time charges.

• Covers Non-Covered administrative services & support all year long. Whether you visit once or multiple times, you will have access to support services every day of the year

2. Per-Visit Fee

• $50 Each Clinic Visit

• Perfect if you only need help at or around scheduled appointments. This plan is a good option if you tend to only need support or access to administrative services right after a visit.

• This one-time fee covers all Non-Covered administrative services & support for a set period of 10 calendar days after each appointment.

3. One Time Visit

• $0 For One Time or Rare Visits

• This options is designed for “one-off” appointments such as extended family getting care while they are visiting from out of town, an immediate family member getting a single intramuscular injection, or a one time consult with a non-physician staff member.

• We’ll include a base level of Non-Covered administrative services & support in your visit cost, covering you for 7 calendar days post visit.

• If you’d like additional support throughout the year, you can opt into the monthly plan at any time.

How does this work if I pay cash for my visits?

If you are paying cash for your care at the time of service, the Pay-per-visit option is built into the cost of your visit, including 2 weeks of administrative services and support after each visit. You will always be eligible to enroll at the same monthly rate of $35/month for unending support regardless of appointment frequency.

Special Offer

Enroll in the Monthly option by 3/29/25, set up automatic payments, and enjoy one-month free. We want to thank you for helping us preserve the depth and quality of care that defines AceMed Seattle.

Moving Forward Together

We value the relationship we’ve built with each and every patient. Our new Non-Covered Services Fee is our way of ensuring that we can still practice medicine on our own terms—authentically, mindful, and personalized. The entire healthcare system might be running toward a faster, bigger, more algorithmic model, yet our experience tells us modern times call for exactly the opposite.

If you have any questions or concerns about this change, don’t hesitate to call us, send a portal message, text us, or even arrange to meet with us in person. You are the reason we exist and remain our ultimate focus. Together, we will continue shaping a healthier future—one where you feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for.

In health and compassion,
Dr. Sullivan & The AceMed Seattle Team