Frequently Asked Questions

How is the One program different than other executive health type programs available at established centers like the Mayo Clinic, or any other places in the world?

Launched in 2003 by St. Helena Hospital’s Center for Health, this truly innovative program is poised to be a leader in the area of personalized healthcare.  One is a comprehensive, customized yearlong program devoted to achieving optimal good health for our patients, regardless of current health status.  We are proud to offer a proactive, preventive approach to healthcare where your time with the lead physician is maximized – close to 20 hours of physician time --  and the day is all about YOU.  We schedule only one person a day so the One team’s emphasis is wholly on you and your issues during your time with us.

 In addition, a tremendous amount of pre-work is done prior to your visit with us.   You will have a telephone conference with our lead physician and head nurse to go over your medical and family history as well as any other health issues that are important to you.  And, following this conversation a team meeting is held for all involved clinicians, lead by our Medical Director, to develop appropriate strategies for your specific case.

After having read about what is entailed in the very thorough head-to-toe work up offered by One, I wonder how this can all be done in a day? 

The day typically begins at 7:30 am and is complete around 6:00pm, finishing with a review of your results and goals together with our Medical Director.  Many of our clients have extremely hectic day-to-day schedules so it is very important to us that we provide a very thorough program that can be completed in a day.  It is a lot to cover in one day but with the dedication of our One team to your case only within the day, it is our goal to make it a very efficient and genuinely pleasurable experience. 

Do you have to spend the night?

It’s not necessary to stay overnight, particularly if you are only coming a short distance to participate in One.  The typical day begins at 7:30 am and is complete around 6:00pm.

 If I need to stay overnight prior to my One on-site visit, is lodging included in the One price?

Yes.  Especially if you’re traveling from out of town, you may want to consider an overnight with us prior to your on-site visit.  If necessary, we can also provide lodging a second night, following your day of testing .  Our facilities are very comfortable and are similar to very nicely appointed hotel rooms.  The rooms are located in a separate wing of the hospital very close to where all of your One activities will take place.(link to rooms, amenities, photo)

 Are these services covered by my insurance?

Our program's uniqueness necessitates direct payment from our clients* - and we in turn then provide you a coded bill after your on-site visit with us that you are then able to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement is dependant upon your specific medical coverage. Some patients have found that the fee is reimbursable, all or in part, under their company's medical reimbursement plan. Others have utilized Health Savings Accounts as a means of paying with pre-tax dollars.
*Medicare will be billed for Medicare covered items deemed medically necessary. Medicare patients will be required to pay for Medicare non-covered items at the time of service.

How do I get my money’s worth from this program?

By taking the findings and recommendations to heart.  We go to great lengths to simplify the results of the assessments into language that is easily understood.  And, we provide you with very specific goals in each area were issues may exist.  In many of these areas, the goals are mutually agreed upon through the day to make certain that they are doable with the current commitments and constraints you have in other areas of your life.  By following through with these goals, step-by-step, you will begin to see the necessary changes take place.

 How is the lifestyle coaching conducted when I sign up for the full year option?

Following your one-day, on-site visit with us, the physician and each clinician will follow up with you on a quarterly basis to support the goals that were established during your time at One.  Goals will be reviewed, strategies will renewed and specific programs – such as the exercise prescription – will continue to be refreshed.  At the 6 month mark, you will have an option to come back to One for follow up lab work and any retesting that our Medical Director may suggest at this point.

Do you have a reference, a person that has gone through the program, that I may contact?

We have many satisfied customers who have graciously offered comments about their One experience. (link to all testimonials/photos)  We have a diverse client base with people of all ages – a majority between 40 – 75 – having been very pleased with our unique customized, personalized approach to health care.  If you are interested in talking to a current One client, we will gladly arrange it.

How does my primary care physician fit into the scenario?

It’s important to note that One is not intended to usurp or replace the enduring relationship between clients and their attending primary care and/or specialist physicians.  Our team works in concert with all practitioners and acts as a resource for all involved in patient care.

How soon can I start?

From the time you confirm your interest in participation, the date of your on-site visit is typically scheduled 3 to 4 weeks out.  We need this amount of time for the extensive preparation we will do for your visit —including  the gathering of all of your medical records or review,  scheduling a phone conference with you prior to your visit, and we will meet as a team in anticipation of your visit – all to customize and personalize your experience.