Questions, answered.

Dr. Pitis's practice is a membership-based preventive internal medicine practice. Membership supports a higher level of care than is possible in traditional primary care — including extended appointments, comprehensive annual evaluations, longitudinal health planning, and specialist coordination. It is not a concierge or cash-only practice. Patients continue to use their insurance for covered medical services.

Traditional primary care physicians typically see 20–25 patients per day, leaving limited time per appointment. Dr. Pitis maintains a smaller patient panel, which means extended visits, same-day or next-day scheduling, comprehensive annual evaluations that go well beyond a standard physical, and a physician who knows your full history — not just what's on your chart from the last visit. The focus is on prevention, longitudinal planning, and continuity.

Yes, the practice is currently accepting founding members. Membership is intentionally limited to preserve the quality and personalization of care. We encourage you to reach out early — either to request information or to join the waitlist if you're not ready to commit immediately.

The practice is based in San Diego, California, with a focus on serving patients in Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach, Encinitas, and the broader San Diego area. Virtual care is also available for many types of visits, making the practice accessible throughout California.

The annual membership fee is $3,400. This covers the full scope of membership services — including your comprehensive annual evaluation, longitudinal planning visits, specialist coordination, virtual care, and direct secure messaging with Dr. Pitis. It does not replace your health insurance.

Membership includes: a comprehensive annual health evaluation, longitudinal preventive planning, specialist referral coordination and record review, extended appointments with no rushed visits, virtual care and telehealth, direct secure messaging with Dr. Pitis, executive wellness guidance, lifestyle and nutrition counseling, and travel medicine support. See the Membership page for the full list.

Please contact the practice directly to discuss membership terms and cancellation policies. We are happy to answer any questions before you commit.

Yes. Membership is not a replacement for health insurance. Patients continue to use their insurance for covered medical services — including lab work, specialist visits, hospitalizations, imaging, and other covered services. The membership fee supports enhanced preventive and coordination services that fall outside traditional insurance reimbursement.

Yes, Medicare patients are welcome. Medicare-covered services are billed to Medicare as usual. The annual membership fee supports the enhanced preventive and coordination services that go beyond what Medicare reimburses in a standard primary care setting.

Some patients may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for qualifying medical expenses related to membership services. Whether the membership fee qualifies depends on your specific plan and circumstances. Please consult your tax advisor or benefits administrator to determine what applies to you.

Please contact the practice directly for current insurance panel information. We are happy to discuss your specific plan and how billing would work for covered services.

Dr. Pitis coordinates specialist referrals directly — recommending trusted specialists, preparing referral notes with your relevant history, reviewing specialist reports, and integrating specialist recommendations into your overall care plan. You won't need to be your own case manager or re-explain your history at every new provider.

Virtual care and secure messaging are available to members wherever they are. For urgent situations while traveling, Dr. Pitis can provide guidance, help you navigate local care options, and coordinate follow-up when you return. The practice also supports travel medicine — including pre-travel health consultations and vaccinations.

The annual evaluation is a thorough, extended assessment that goes well beyond a standard physical. It includes a comprehensive review of your medical history, current health status, and family history; a full physical examination; discussion of your personal health goals and risk factors; preventive screening review; and the development or update of your longitudinal health plan. It is designed to give Dr. Pitis a complete, current picture of your health — and to give you a clear sense of where you stand and where you're headed.

Yes. Members can reach Dr. Pitis via secure direct messaging for non-urgent questions, follow-ups, and care coordination. For matters that require a clinical conversation, Dr. Pitis will respond directly — not through a nurse or call center. Response times for non-urgent messages are typically within one business day.