Concierge Medicine at Atrium Medical – FAQs
Atrium Medical now offers a Personalized Care (“Concierge”) Program to empower our patients to prioritize their health and well-being, working directly with Dr. Shilpa Paradkar. Below are some common questions about the program. For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out online or by phone (646.814.0076).
1. Why is Atrium Medical launching a concierge program now?
For over 20 years—13 of them in NYC—Dr. Paradkar has had the privilege of caring for patients and their families. While practicing medicine remains her passion, the realities of today’s healthcare system—shorter visits, increasing administrative burdens, and insurance constraints—have made it harder to provide the depth of care patients deserve.
Studies show that more time with your physician leads to better health outcomes. By shifting to a concierge model, Dr. Paradkar will care for a smaller group of patients, allowing for:
 Longer, more personalized visits
 A proactive, wellness-focused approach
 Greater availability when you need it most
The ultimate goal of the concierge program is to help you live healthier, feel better, and save money over the long and short term. Instead of costly ER visits and multiple specialist appointments, concierge care provides proactive, coordinated, and preventive medicine—often reducing overall healthcare expenses.
2. What are the key benefits of the concierge program?
With fewer patients under Dr. Paradkar’s direct care, members receive:
| Service | Traditional Care | Concierge Program |
|---|---|---|
| Appointments | Same-day to several weeks, depending on provider | Same-day, in-office availability with Dr. Paradkar |
| After-Hours & Weekend Care | Urgent care or ER | 24/7 availability via Dr. Paradkar’s direct cellphone |
| Visit Length | 5-10 min for acute visits, ~30 min for physicals | Unlimited, plus 3 extra wellness check-ins/year |
| Test Results | Portal or tele-visit | Personalized call-back & discussion of all labs and tests |
| Family Coverage | N/A | Children under 26 & out-of-town coverage |
| Specialist Coordination | Self-managed | Dr. Paradkar will coordinate care with your specialists, and Atrium will process prior authorizations for certain medications, reducing the need for specialist visits |
In addition, SignatureMD members gain exclusive health perks, including enhanced mental health support, nutrition counseling, advanced cancer screenings, and more. Learn more here.
3. Does insurance cover concierge medicine?
Your insurance will still be billed as usual for medical visits, but concierge membership fees are generally not covered by most commercial insurance plans. However, many HSA programs may reimburse or even match your membership fees—check with your benefits administrator for details.
For many patients, this means reallocating tax-advantaged dollars toward concierge care instead of spending thousands per year on ER visits and specialist copays. With greater availability, longer visits, and proactive care, concierge medicine is a proven cost-effective alternative to reactive, fragmented care.
According to AARP, 90% of concierge patients report high satisfaction with the personalized, comprehensive care offered in programs like the one Atrium Medical now provides in partnership with SignatureMD.
4. What if I’m not ready to join? Can I still come to Atrium Medical?
Absolutely! If you choose not to enroll at this time, you can continue receiving care from our excellent providers—Dr. Bikhman or PAs Zhou and Hampton under Dr. Paradkar’s supervision.
If you currently see one of these providers and wish to avail of concierge benefits, you can still enroll while keeping your preferred provider—until the program reaches capacity.
5. How do I book an appointment as a concierge patient?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
6. How do I get a prescription refilled as a concierge patient?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
7. I’m traveling in Florida over the weekend and need a script for a blood test. What should I do?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
8. My 22-year-old daughter is visiting from college and needs an antibiotic. What should I do?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
9. It’s 9 PM on a Thursday and there's a 3-hour wait and a $750 deductible at ER. What should I do?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
10. I called the specialist and couldn't get an appointment for 6 months! What should I do?
Call or text Dr. Paradkar’s cell phone directly.
