FAQ

Can I join HELPcare Clinic even if I have insurance?

Yes! Your HELPcare Clinic membership dues will not count toward your insurance deductible, but your membership likely costs much less than your deductible amount.

And because primary care and more than 100 of the most commonly needed diagnostic blood tests are included at no extra charge, HELPcare Clinic membership means you don't have to pay for these items that otherwise would be part of your out-of-pocket expense.

Many pay for their entire membership through lab test savings alone!

You also have no per-visit charge for office visits.

Because so much is included in HELPcare Clinic membership, many people have felt comfortable going with a higher deductible, and saving on their monthly health insurance premiums.

What is my commitment if I sign up for HELPcare Clinic membership? If I were unsatisfied with the services or didn't want to be a member any longer, at what point can I cancel?  Is there a cancellation fee?

Because membership includes laboratory testing and an extended, unhurried appointment, we have a one-year minimum for Standard and Premier membership and a six-month minimum for Quick, in addition to the $49 initiation fee per member.

We hope HELPcare Clinic membership meets your needs, but if after one year you find it doesn’t, you can cancel without penalty.

Many members have taken advantage of annual membership in which they get 12 months of membership for the price of 11, saving an extra 8%!

What do I get with a free HELPcare website account? 

A free HELPcare website account gives you access to e-learning courses, community health support, and discussions. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create an account.

Can I manage my notifications and customize what content I receive from my free online account? 

Yes. Once you sign up for your free HELPcare website account, you can manage your notifications from HELPcare based on your preferences. You’ll be able to manage when and how HELPcare sends you emails for information like eLearning courses, weekly/daily digest, online discussions, etc. Click here for a step-by-step instructions on how to manage notifications.

Is HELPcare Clinic recognized and accredited by necessary government authorities?  (i.e. if we needed to have an official COVID-19 test showing negative results in order to fly to Hawaii for vacation)

HELPcare Clinic providers are licensed medical practitioners in Minnesota and are able to prescribe and provide letters to relevant government authorities.

For preventive services not available at HELPcare Clinic, will we need to have an additional doctor appointment to receive those services? 

One of the additional benefits we offer is shopping for you. We refer to others based on your preferences, including cost, convenience and insurance coverage for services you need that aren't available with our providers. HELPcare providers can refer locally if desired, and we also have found substantial savings from Twin Cities providers for patients who wanted the cash price. No additional doctor appointment is needed for these.

Are your HELPcare providers able to refer to a specialist if needed, or would we need to start the process over again at Mayo Clinic or another facility?

HELPcare providers refer to Mayo Clinic or other facilities as needed and depending on patient preferences, insurance coverage, and financial concerns. See this story for an example of the referral process.

How far in advance do appointments need to be made?  Are walk in appointments acceptable?

In addition to scheduled appointments, we have included time in provider calendars to respond to more urgent needs as they arise among our members at the Austin clinic and Rochester clinic.

Our goal is that patients with a timely medical need will be seen that same day or the next day.

Will HELPcare Clinic have immunizations?

HELPcare Clinic currently does not provide immunizations because those are widely available from other sources and because of the costs and special temperature management requirements.

Vaccinations may be added to the covered services as membership grows, depending on the needs of members.

If you have additional questions not covered above,