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frequently asked questions

Changing up the way things are done can be overwhelming at first.
We want to make sure all your questions are answered.

How is this practice different from traditional practice models?

As a membership-based primary care practice, our focus is on understanding you and your health story. Through better communication, better access to your physician, and by eliminating the unnecessary road blocks of insurance we are getting back to the roots of healthcare. We work for you, rather than having a middleman insurance company.

Many insurance-based doctors care for thousands of patients. We only care for a few hundred. By keeping our practice exclusive we have time to work around your needs and your schedule. Our aim is to provide exceptional care by forming lasting relationship with our patients.

Why should I join when I already pay for insurance?

Many people with health insurance struggle with consistent and timely access to their physician. A personal, trusting relationship with your physician improves health outcomes and reduces medical errors. This is challenging in today’s era of 7 minute visits with a provider. We offer extended-length same and next-day appointments, because convenient and direct access to a physician in-person, by phone or virtually, is invaluable to your personal health.

As a member will I still need health insurance?

We are NOT health insurance! We also don’t bill health insurance. And we think that’s best for everyone. It frees us up to focus on taking care of YOU.

We encourage our patients to continue with a major medical plan to ensure financial help should hospitalization, imaging, laboratory testing, or referral to a specialist be necessary. Although we do not bill insurance, any services you obtain outside of our practice can be billed to your insurance provider.

I hardly ever see a doctor, will a membership really benefit me?

Yes! Most people don’t bother seeing a doctor because it’s a hassle and it’s expensive. We have eliminated those barriers. You won’t have any copays or deductibles to worry about, and making an appointment with us is easy. So, it makes sense to contact us even for minor issues and basic questions. Everyone benefits from custom healthcare. Our proactive healthcare approach is devoted to maintenance of your good health. We’re passionate about helping our patients to optimize nutrition, exercise, mental health – areas that we all benefit from focusing on regardless of age or health status.

What if I decide to cancel my membership, is there a contract or minimum length of membership?

There is no contract or commitment. Should you decide to cancel your membership any pre-paid membership fees will be prorated and returned to you. Re-enrollment will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows, and is subject to a $750 re-enrollment fee.

Can I use my HSA account for the membership?

Unfortunately, not at this time. This is something that will hopefully change in the near future!

I don’t live in Evergreen, can I still be a member?

Absolutely! We require an in-person visit for your Comprehensive Annual Wellness Visit and some medical concerns also require us to examine you in the clinic. We’re a short drive from the Denver Metro area. There is a lot that we can do for you virtually through telephone calls, video visits, and secure messaging. We want your care to be as convenient as possible while still meeting all of your medical needs.

I like to travel or live elsewhere part time, is this still a good option for me?

Yes! This is yet another freedom we enjoy together as a result of our independence from the restrictions of third-party payment. Because we know you well, we can streamline your care when you’re sick and away from home. Many illnesses can be diagnosed and treated with a simple conversation by phone, secure messaging, or video visit. We’ll locate the nearest pharmacy and order the medications most appropriate for your circumstances.

How will I know if the doctors of Peak Wellness Internal Medicine are a good fit for me?

Come get to know us! Schedule a free, unconditional visit or phone call to discuss your healthcare needs. It’s the best way to begin what we trust will be a long, productive, and healthy relationship.

Still have questions? No problem.

Dr. Melissa A. Helms, MD

As a native to Colorado, Dr. Melissa Helms has been a practicing internal medicine physician in the Denver area since 2009. She takes a collaborative approach by spending time to understand each patient’s history and goals to then create personalized care plans aiming to optimize health and wellbeing. She is passionate about preventive, proactive medicine as well as chronic disease management, nutrition and mental health. Adopting a membership-based primary care practice allows for the time needed to develop a close partnership with her patients to help them live their happiest, healthiest life possible.

Dr. Helms holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Colorado State University and a Doctor of Medicine from University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Oregon Health and Sciences University. She was named one of Denver’s Top Docs in 5280 Magazine and she is the recipient of the 2018 OptumCare Values in Action Performance award.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Helms has a special interest in healthcare technology. She served as the Chief Medical Information Officer for OptumCare Colorado providing clinical technology leadership across multiple practices in the state. She is excited about using technology to connect with her patients improving both communication and engagement in their health.

When she’s not practicing medicine, Dr. Helms’ favorite activities include yoga, travel, cooking, hiking, skiing, reading, meditation and spending time with her adorable dogs Emma and Bodhi.

Dr. Eric Hemler, DO

Dr. Eric Hemler is ecstatic to be joining the team at Peak Wellness. He is a proud Colorado native, born and raised in Golden, CO. Serving a mountain community within the medical field has always been a dream for him. He views his practice of medicine as a privileged opportunity to develop lasting, two-way relationships with patients. He is known to be a compassionate and dedicated physician who prioritizes open communication and transparency. He is looking forward to having extended patient visits that will allow him to offer them the best possible care. He views patients as unique individuals and believes that it is crucial to treat the whole person rather just disease in order to maximize health and overall wellness.

He respects the views and unique health goals of every patient and brings an empathetic ear and open mind to visits with his patients. Dr. Hemler offers many routine office procedures to patients such as shave biopsies and joint injections. He is passionate about sports medicine and regularly integrates Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT) into his practice. He believes that OMT is a tool that can be used to help correct physical ailments with or without the help of other treatment modalities. Dr. Hemler is a proud CU Buff and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He attended medical school at Rocky Vista University in Parker, CO and completed his residency training in Family Medicine through the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

When Dr. Hemler is not in office, he enjoys all things outdoors. He spends much of his free time exercising, skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. He recently developed gardening as a hobby and is excited to expand his backyard garden with each season. He has two rambunctious, but very lovable, Australian Shepherds named Avery and Fuzz. He shares his passion for medicine with his wife, Emily, who is also a practicing physician. Dr. Hemler also enjoys watching football, playing video games and trying out local restaurants. After finishing a long hike or bike ride, he can be spotted sipping a beer on the patio of a local brewery after finishing a hike or long bike ride.