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? 

Because they include laboratory testing and an extended, unhurried appointment, we request a one-year commitment for HELPcare Basic and HELPcare Premier membership.

HELPcare PayGo is a non-membership option to get care at transparent prices that are well below the cost of hospital-affiliated primary care. There's no commitment for PayGo.

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.

For 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.

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.

If you have additional questions not covered above,