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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. Todd Wisser, DO

Dr. Todd Wisser is known for his relaxed and engaging manner. His concern for, and interest in, people is apparent in all of his medical worlds. Whether he’s doing a broadcast clip on local television/radio/social media covering some aspect of medical education, fulfilling his duties as the Medical Director for Mt. Evans Hospice, or in the exam room with a patient, Dr. Wisser is always present and engaged.

“I have thought through my philosophy about becoming a doctor way back in medical school at Michigan State University. It guides my work today, and I’d like to share it here.

It’s people that I care about, and always have. I believe caring for patients involves more than just addressing disease; it means treating and caring for the whole person. The body possesses an innate ability to heal itself, and it is our role as physicians to support this capacity, be it through the touch of manual medicine, pharmacology, surgery, or another osteopathic modality.

It is my hope that each of my patients will achieve their maximum capacity for wellness, accomplished by focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. Reaching these goals is dependent upon a collaborative partnership between patient and physician. I believe that listening to, and talking with my patients, is as important as their vital signs or any medication I might prescribe. I like to think we work around the weaknesses and focus on supporting the strengths present. There are always some of these to be found!”

Dr. Wisser migrated from the Midwest to the mountains he’s always loved with his family in 2017. Prior to that, he enjoyed a 5 year engagement as a high school chemistry teacher before entering medical school. He completed his internship at Genysys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, MI, and his residency in Internal Medicine at Michigan State University’s Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Since being in Colorado, Dr. Wisser has held leadership positions within the Evergreen New West Physician’s practice, and then in the national Optum medical system. Most recently he served as the Senior Medical Director for the state of Colorado managing the growth of their Medicare Advantage program.

An avid outdoor enthusiast, there is almost no mountain sport that Dr. Wisser hasn’t explored. His favorites are skiing, mountain biking and endless hiking, whatever the season. Accompanying him are usually his wife, three very active kids, and their dog Piper.