Frequently Asked Questions

For sure, we have some patients who will not respond to us after we send out these announcements. Some
people will not receive our messages, and they will be completely unaware of changes. Or, they have not seen us for
some time and do not plan to utilize our services again. Or, they have moved away and established medical care
elsewhere, no longer needing us.

Regardless of cause, they’ll continue to be patients here until 3 years (36 months) after their last visit. Once they
reach 36 months after their last visit, they will no longer continue to be a patient.

That is understandable, and we totally understand. You are not under any obligation to pay any membership fees
at all. Your chart will be retained within our clinic as an established patient (but not a Member) for 36 months after the
date of your last visit with Dr. Lang. This is the way it has always been done, and this will not change.

This 36-month principle will continue to be in effect, regardless of other changes on the surface. During this 36-
month window, if you change your mind and wish to become a Member, simply call the office and then pay the “Gold
or Silver Member” fee through our website, just like other members. We have enjoyed being a part of your medical
care up until now, and we will be sorry to see you go if your 36-month window elapses and you do not choose to
become a “Gold or Silver Member.”

Yes or No, you may decide. You have time to make this decision. There is no pressure. While we would encourage
the choice of a lower cost Silver Membership, this is by no means required.

You have 36 months from the time of your last visit before your chart is put in storage and you cease to be a
patient at LFM. While you will still have a chart in our storage unit, you will not be classified as a patient or as a
member after those 36 months have elapsed. If you desire medical care again from us at a later time, you would be a
new patient. We cannot guarantee that we will ever be openly taking new patients again. If we are closed to new
patients, and you are wanting to come back, we will not be able to reintroduce you back into the practice again.

No. We care for a large number of sizable families, and we know that membership costs would add up quickly for
these households. Thus, we are offering a “Household Discount” that will apply as follows:

For every member, families will decide whether they desire a Gold or Silver membership. Within one
household/home, the first 2 Members will be charged the full Gold/Silver Member cost.

Beyond the first 2 members, household members 3, 4, and 5 will receive the following discounts:

Gold members 3-5 receive $200 discount off of the “Gold Member” yearly fee.

Silver members 3-5 receive $100 discount off of the “Silver Member” yearly fee.

Beyond the first 5 members, household members 6-12 will receive the following discounts:

Gold members 6-12 receive $300 discount off of the “Gold Member” yearly fee.

Silver members 6-12 receive $150 discount off of the “Silver Member” yearly fee.

Beyond 12 household members, the 13th household member and beyond:

Gold members 13+ receive $400 discount off of the “Gold Member” yearly fee.

Silver members 13+ receive $200 discount off of the “Silver Member” yearly fee.

Gold or Silver Membership charges in a concierge model unfortunately do not qualify for reimbursement by
insurance companies. However, the various services provided by LFM under the concierge model can qualify for
reimbursement. As always, different services may be covered by different insurance plans, variably at best.

If LFM provides a service that is covered by your insurance company, then you can submit it for reimbursement,
but it is up to your insurance plan as to what kind of reimbursement is received. Examples of possibly reimbursable
services could include but are not limited to:

Doctor visits, nurse visits, supplements, injections, IV therapy, allergy therapy, and medical reviews coordinated
between Dr. Lang and the nursing staff. We encourage you to call and ask what we have available to help offset
membership charges.

The answer to this question is the same as it is for private insurance. Accounts of this nature can be used for
medical goods and services, and they could include: Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Health Reimbursement
Arrangement (HRA). Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA).

Please refer to the question above about private insurance in order to understand how this works. As with the
question above, we encourage you to call and ask what we have available to help offset membership charges under
these circumstances.

It is possible that we will have some patients that ask this question, or something like it. The nature of the medical
care at LFM is nothing short of extra-special, above and beyond what most medical practices do. We know that not
everybody who needs us will be able to easily afford the cost of our services, so we are creating a scholarship fund
that will be anonymously donated to by anyone who is willing.

Any prospective patients who would like to apply to receive a portion of this fund may do so by contacting the front
desk to ask about the application process. Upper management will consider these situations on a case-by-case
basis.

In short, a “nurse visit” is when one of our patients requests our help for a solution to a medical problem, and we
provide that solution by using one of our nurses to collect the appropriate information about the problem and report it
to Dr. Lang. Details of the problem, medical decision making, and approval of requests is discussed between Dr. Lang
and the nurse, and the nurse delivers solutions to the patient.

These problems tend to be less complex and require less time; therefore, they don’t cost as much. This is why
nurse visits are less costly than visits directly with Dr. Lang. We first started using nurse visits like this during the early
COVID months, when we became so busy with COVID patients that there was no room in the schedule to be able to
take care of everyone in a personal visit with Dr. Lang, whether that was a visit in person, or virtual visit (Zoom or
phone call). It became clear very quickly that many of our patients enjoyed the benefits of receiving Dr. Lang’s style of
care for some of their simpler problems, while also being charged less, and often receiving treatment the same day.

Clearly, not all visits can be nurse visits. Many problems have a level of complexity or intensity that requires a
back-and-forth conversation with Dr. Lang and potentially an examination. However, there are many visits that can be
nurse visits, even when certain things are required. It is possible for a urine sample with a culture, orders for blood
tests, x-rays and other imaging, and injections or IV treatments to be involved in a nurse visit. These decisions are
made on a case-by-case basis.

There may be times when a nurse visit is desired, but the problem requires a doctor’s visit. However, even in those
cases, there are certain times when treatment can be started with a nurse visit, and the doctor’s visit can be
scheduled later. Again, these decisions are made by Dr. Lang on a case-by-case basis.

As our practice matures and patients’ needs evolve, it is possible that approval of nurse visits for different kinds of
problems may change. What will not change is the fact that all nurse visits involve the nurse communicating with Dr.
Lang, and Dr. Lang engaging in medical decision making to meet patients at their point of need. Put another way,
patients can receive Dr. Lang’s care without directly seeing Dr. Lang.

As we said before, Dr. Howard Lang is spending a lot more time these days caring for his wife. He has already
dropped down to 2 afternoons per week. We expect that he will drop down to 1 afternoon per week soon, and then 1
afternoon every other week.

Eventually, his schedule will become intermittent and sporadic, without its previous regularity. At some point, he
will only be assisting Dr. Derek Lang to cover call during closings and vacations. It is difficult to predict exactly how
this will go, but the decrescendo is already happening rapidly.

Absolutely, yes. Many patients have already transitioned to Dr. Derek Lang. Dr. Derek Lang is similar in many ways
to Dr. Howard Lang. For more information about this, please see the following question.

As most of our patients know, Dr. Howard Lang is a very special, unique breed of physician. He draws on nearly 60
years of experience in the medical field, beginning in 1966. He has worked in Missouri, Michigan, Colorado, West
Texas (Abilene at Dyess Air Force Base), and now Tarrant County for over 47 years.

Dr. Howard Lang has invested countless hours in development of his knowledge base during the entirety of his
career, and he is particularly aimed his efforts toward the root causes of disease as they are illustrated within the
concepts of Environmental Medicine. Simply, no one exists on the planet earth who can begin to replace Dr. Howard
Lang. While we considered trying to find a replacement early on in the process, it is just not possible to go through the
hoops, hurdles, and loopholes that are necessary to sign on a new provider in a very short period of time. Perhaps as
time goes by, a suitable partner for the practice will be presented/accepted. For now, that project is on hold.

Dr. H has always been committed to helping patients with truth that connects with patients on a conservative and
common-sense level. The clinic and Dr D will continue serving Dr H’s patients just like it always has. LFM will
maintain therapies that work well and provide access to new treatments and concepts of wellness, both alternative
and mainstream, using common sense, merged with patients’ values, opinions, and desires.

Of course, Dr. D was born and raised by Dr H. Sometimes they can be so similar, it’s startling. While Dr H has
served on the International Board of Environmental Medicine, Dr D served for 7 years on the Board of the American
Academy of Environmental Medicine. During that time, Dr D was VP, President, and Continuing Medical Education
Chairman. Dr D is now serving a 2nd term on the AAEM Board.

The values espoused by Dr H are bred into Dr. D. The LFM clinic under Dr. D’s leadership will continue on in the
same footsteps of service and dedication to the roots of issues and meeting patients at their point of need. There’s an
old saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”. In one sense, this could describe the fact that “Dr D the son”
is not so different as a physician from “Dr H the father”…. and that’s true.

However, from its inception under Dr H, LFM has always received its inspiration and guidance from what many
refer to as the Tree of Life. Dr. H has shown over many years that he didn’t fall far from This Tree, and he takes great
strides to stay close to the Tree of Life in his daily walk. Likewise, Dr. D. hasn’t fallen far from the Tree of Life, either.
Dr. D is passionately committed to being a “Tree hugger” in the spiritual sense. Under Dr. D, the Tree of Life will always
remain at the center of LFM.

Yes, this is a simple matter of paying the additional difference in order to gain the additional benefits.

An LFM Silver member may choose to upgrade to Gold if they desire to have a physician visit scheduled during
business hours or through the on-call answering service on the weekend.

If they have paid the $400 annual silver membership, they can simply pay an additional $200.
If they are paying a $100 quarterly silver membership, they can simply begin paying $150 quarterly.
If they are paying a $33.33 monthly silver membership, they can simply begin pain $50 monthly.

When upgrading from silver to gold, a minimum 6-month commitment will be required. This requirement is being put
into place to prevent going back and forth between silver and gold.
If an additional annual $200 is paid when upgrading, then the $200 is nonrefundable.
If an additional quarterly $100 is paid when upgrading, then 2 quarterly payments are required.
If a monthly payment becomes $50 monthly, then 6 monthly payments of $50 are required.
Each of these descriptions reflects a 6-month commitment to gold level membership. Following this 6-month period,
a downgrade to silver can be arranged via the office manager.

In any system of membership such as we are engaging in here, we realize that people must be given the freedom
to change their minds. This is part of life, and we totally understand.

Membership can be canceled at any time, although LFM will continue to honor the term of the paid for
membership. For this reason, refunds will not be given. No refunds.

Under all circumstances, LFM will also provide emergency care for 30 days after a cancellation. However, with the
above said about no refunds, there will be some patients who will be paying monthly or quarterly via the stripe
program. For these patients, they will not receive refunds for monthly or quarterly payments already given. However,
they will have the freedom to stop future monthly or quarterly payments, without obligation, no questions asked.
For this reason, we encourage patients to only pay for a period of time that they know they want. For example, if you
are not sure you want a year-long concierge membership, it may be wise to schedule your payments through stripe to
be monthly or quarterly.

This is an excellent question, and the simple fact of allowing us to pay our overhead and maintain business
operations, so that we continue to be able to exist and serve you and others is part of the tangible portion of the
answer.

Most of our patients know what they receive from our office on a tangible level. As important as the tangible parts
of our business are, the intangible portions are invaluable. In answering “what’s in it for you”, the most direct
“intangible” that you receive from us is POWER. At LFM, among other things, being a member means being a more
powerful patient. Let me explain.

Knowledge is power. The more truth that you know and understand, the more powerful you are. Dr. Lang is a
teacher at heart, and he will teach you things about your body and health. When you ask questions, Dr. Lang provides
thorough answers. We do not evade or resent questions here, because they are the path to understanding. There’s no
such thing as a dumb question. We welcome dialogue, reasoning, and learning. We want truthful knowledge to
empower you. The beginning of Proverbs chapter 2 comes to mind. You will be hard pressed to find a physician who
will enjoy explaining things to you more than Dr. Lang does as he empowers you with knowledge, understanding, and
wisdom.

Control is power. The more control you have over medical decisions, the more powerful you are. Dr. Lang
fundamentally believes in the heart of informed medical decision making. This means that you make decisions about
what is best for you… not Dr. Lang. Your autonomy and authority in deciding what to do is prospected, expected, &
respected. The center of your medical care is you, and your opinion and values matter. We empower you with
knowledge and understanding to engender confident decisions. Dr. Lang will not force you to do anything, and you
will not be manipulated here. You will be hard pressed to find a medical practice that tries to give you more control
than Dr. Lang does as he encourages and empowers you to make decisions for yourself that you feel at peace about…
without coercion, guilt, or judgment.

Relationship is power. The better your relationship is with your doctor, the more powerful you are. Dr. Lang’s
values include a high-quality patient-physician relationship at the core of LFM. High-quality relationship is formed
over time, often through conversation that lays a foundation of common goals and establishes trust. If you do not
have a good relationship with your physician, then you do not have the trust and/or the “relational equity” to ask
challenging questions, discuss treatment ideas and strategies openly, or feel comfortable going deep on health issues
that may be embarrassing or challenging. Dr. Lang has the bedside manner, extroverted demeanor, conversational
candor, professional integrity, and the intentional honor to spend time with you in such a way that will build quality
relationship. When this is done right, over time you will feel at home at LFM, like a member of the family.

There are many other places where you are a number, or a co-pay, or the next one in line. You will be hard pressed to
find a medical office that works harder to prioritize not only quality care, but also quality relationship that empowers
you and simultaneously satisfies realities of relational connection for every human heart and soul.

In these intangible ways (and others), most patients will find themselves more empowered at Lang family medicine
then virtually anywhere else.

We understand that there will be circumstances that prevent some patients from continuing to receive care
here at LFM. If someone needs to transition to another provider, we want to offer some help with that process by
continuing care for a limited time and waiving membership fees temporarily.

We will continue to care for you with a waived membership fee for a time period of 60 days following the opt
out date (signed and dated form, provided through our opt out process). During those 60 days, you will have access to
office visits, medication refills, and treatments through LFM at the Gold member annual rate divided into monthly
payments ($50 currently); however, the monthly payments will be waived for 60 days. This provides 60 days to make
other medical arrangements.

After 60 days have elapsed, you will be required to begin paying the regular monthly Gold level charges in order
to continue to receive care and services from LFM. At which time you are successful in arranging alternate medical
care, you may cancel any future Gold level monthly payments.

Of course, we hope that through this process, some patients will choose to stay. It is just as feasible for you to
continue with the Gold level membership after going through the opt out process by simply continuing to make the
monthly payments. It may be that after searching for another provider, you may not find an adequate alternative.
That’s okay, because we are happy to have you here as a Gold member.

I know that these words will reach many people that have spent hours talking with me and who know me well. At
the same time, there are people reading this that have never met me and have no idea what level of character I may or
may not possess.

It is a challenging step to take… asking someone who does not know you to trust you. It might be simpler if we
were talking about simply a recommendation for a restaurant to have lunch at, or if we were giving directions to a
location a few miles away. But it is not that simple. We are talking about one of the most sacred relationships that
exists on the planet earth… the Doctor-Patient Relationship.

I cannot promise you that I will walk out my career exactly like Dr. Howard Lang. We are not exactly the same
person; however, I do pledge to walk in the same integrity he has walked in. Further, I carry myself with the same spirit
of teaching and patient empowerment that Dr. H carries himself with. He pours his heart, soul, mind, and strength
into every medically professional interaction, and I do the same thing. We are both imbued with the ability to assist
healing by the Great Physician, and we both look to Him as the One who is able to do what only He can do. We take
each step with faith, hope, and our love languages.

I hope that as many patients as possible will stay with Lang Family Medicine as we transition together into a new
season. I am sure it will be filled with lots of challenges and a need for endurance and perseverance. Such is life, and
we are prepared to steward our gifts and talents, meeting the challenges of life head on. I look forward to serving your
interests, values and goals at your next appointment, at your convenience. May you be blessed abundantly, no matter
where you go. Respectfully, Dr. Derek Lang.