Frequently Asked Questions
Bethesda Modern Membership
Is this a concierge practice?
You might feel like we’re a concierge practice based on the level of care we provide — but we’re not. Concierge practices typically charge a large upfront retainer (often $10,000 or more), At BMPC, we take a different approach: we provide patients with direct access to their physician through a straightforward, flat membership fee—with no surprises.
Bethesda Modern Primary Care is ideal for patients seeking attentive, personalized care delivered by a dedicated physician who follows the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines.
How old are your patients?
Bethesda Modern Primary Care will see patients 18 years and older.
What is the office schedule?
We see patients in person and via telemedicine Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm.
What if I have an urgent issue after the office is closed?
We’re happy to assist you with non-urgent messages during our regular business hours. Our goal is to keep you healthy enough that this is a rare event.
Dr.Sirdar is available after hours for urgent issues however for anything emergent you must go to the ER.
For true emergencies, we recommend you call 911. Our answering service is available 24/7, and Dr.Sirdar can be reached until 8pm. However, for a need that cannot wait until 8am, we advise going to the ER. Dr.Sirdar will not be available from 8pm to 8am
What happens if Dr. Sirdar is ill or on vacation?
Dr. Sirdar maintains a normal schedule that includes periodic time off. Planned absences will be communicated to you in advance, while any sudden unavailability due to illness or family situations will be announced promptly.
What do I do if I can’t make my appointment?
At Bethesda Modern Primary Care we require at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule. Call or text us prior to 24 hours so that our office can reschedule you right away.
If you miss your scheduled appointment we will apply a fee of $50. If you are running late let us know- we are happy to reschedule your appointment.
Bethesda Modern Primary Care reserves the right to cancel membership of members who habitually miss appointments.
How can I get in touch with my doctor?
Communication is a cornerstone of our practice. We offer direct communication through both telephone and our secure patient portal, ensuring you receive a response within 24 business hours.
If I need to see a specialist, will Dr. Sirdar be involved?
Yes. Dr. Sirdar will coordinate your appointment with the appropriate specialist to best address your particular medical condition and manage communication among specialists to ensure continuity of care.
What if I need to go to the hospital?
You may be hospitalized at the hospital of your choice. Although the hospitalist service will be the attending physician of record, Dr. Sirdar will coordinate care with the hospitalist as your personal physician. Dr. Sirdar currently has courtesy privileges at Johns Hopkins/ Sibley Memorial Hospital. In addition, because of her affiliation with Johns Hopkins/ Sibley, she has access to the Hopkins EPIC EMR and can view reports from all John Hopkins affiliated hospitals (Suburban, Sibley, Hopkins-Baltimore). Dr. Sirdar sees it as part of her job to coordinate with your in-patient team and provide input into your care as appropriate.
If I find this is not the best fit for me, can I cancel my membership?
This may not be the best fit for some. If you would like to cancel your membership (after the required first three months) then we will refund a pro-rated portion of the monthly fees. It is important to note that if you cancel and then want to rejoin later we may not be able to welcome you back if our panel is full. We will keep taking care of you while your membership is in effect and can certainly recommend other stellar physicians in the area.
Does Bethesda Modern see dependents of patients who are members?
Yes, we do. We offer care for members’ dependents ages 18-23 years old on a fee-for-service basis, including sports physicals, pre-op evaluations, annual exams, or sick visits.
Cost and Payment
What is the fee for Bethesda Modern membership?
We offer three flexible membership models:
- Quarterly Plan: $750 + $100 one-time registration fee
- Semi-Annual Plan: $1500 + $100 one-time registration fee
- Annual Plan: $2500 — (includes 2 FREE months) + $100 one-time registration fee
The one-time registration fee is $100, payable when you initially join the Practice, and is not refundable should you leave the Practice at any time.
- Membership fees are payable by credit card and will renew automatically according to your chosen plan (quarterly, semi-annual, or annual).
- There is a 3 months minimum for membership (Quarterly plan). After 3 months, you may cancel at any time.
- Please understand that both the membership fee and one-time registration fee must be paid before your first appointment can be scheduled.
What additional expenses might I incur?
Prescriptions, labs, scans, specialists, etc ordered by Dr. Sirdar and fulfilled outside of Bethesda Modern will be billed to your health insurance and are not covered by your membership fee.
Are there any co-pays for services covered under membership?
There are no co-pays required for any services included with your subscription. All services covered under membership are provided with transparency and convenience, ensuring you receive exceptional care without unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I pay?
We will utilize a secure and efficient system for invoicing our patients. Should you encounter any difficulties with the platform, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Insurance Information
I have a Health Spending Account, Flexible Spending Plan, or a Medical Savings Plan through work. Can I use that to pay for the Annual Fee?
In many cases, you may be able to use such funds to pay for all or a portion of the Annual Fee, but policies differ from plan to plan, so please check with your plan administrator. The recent passing of a federal health bill now allows patients to use $150 per month for direct primary care starting January 01, 2026.
I already have excellent health insurance — why should I pay extra to join your practice?
While your insurance may provide essential coverage, our membership offers a level of personalized service and direct access to your doctor that is unparalleled in traditional primary care settings. As a member, you will enjoy access to same – or next day appointments, direct communication with your physician, thorough and unhurried office visit, and true coordination of care with specialists and other providers- ensuring all aspects of your health are managed with the utmost attention and efficiency- all under the guidance of your personal physician.
In fact, many patients find the membership subscription is much more cost effective than unexpected bills received at urgent care or the ER. Our goal is to keep you healthy and out of the hospital to avoid the high cost of medical care incurred when you are denied timely access to your primary.
Do I need to keep my existing health insurance?
Yes. Our practice is not an insurance plan. You will still need to maintain your existing health insurance to cover specialist consultation, lab tests, x-rays, diagnostic procedures, prescription medications, and hospitalizations. The membership provides enhanced access to your physician and ensures continuity and coordination of care but does not replace your health
insurance.
Are you in network? Can fees be submitted to my insurance for reimbursement?
Please be aware that our practice is out of network with all insurance providers, including Medicare. After your annual physical exam or any office visit, we will provide you with the necessary documentation, including a summary of the services rendered and proof of payment. You may choose to submit this paperwork directly to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement. Keep in mind that each insurance plan handles reimbursement differently, so we recommend reaching out to your insurance company directly for further guidance.
Please note that the above reimbursement policy does not apply to Medicare, TRICARE, or HMO plans. Unfortunately, claims cannot be submitted to Medicare, TRICARE or any HMO plan for reimbursement
I’m covered by Medicare. Can I still see Dr. Sirdar?
Yes, you are welcome to become a patient of Dr. Sirdar. However, please note that because Dr. Sirdar has opted out of the Medicare program, Medicare will not cover any portion of the membership fee or any services provided outside the scope of the subscription fee. We will not submit claims to Medicare, and you are unable to submit claims to Medicare for any services rendered by our office.
Rest assured, Dr. Sirdar will continue to provide prescriptions, orders for diagnostic services such as x-rays, and other necessary care outside of the practice’s scope. Your Medicare coverage will remain intact for all other physician visits, hospital services, and procedures conducted outside of our office. Bethesda Modern membership will not affect your Medicare benefits in any way.
I’m covered by an HMO. Can I become a member of Bethesda Modern?
Yes, you are welcome to become a patient of Dr. Sirdar. However, please be aware that our practice does not participate in any HMO plans. If your HMO requires prior authorization from your primary care physician for referrals, lab work, or other services, we will not be able to facilitate those requests. Additionally, we do not submit claims to your HMO, nor can you submit claims to your HMO for reimbursement for any services provided by our practice.
I’m covered by TRICARE or am an active-duty service member. Can I still join Dr. Sirdar’s new Practice?
It depends. TRICARE For Life (TRICARE’s Medicare “wrap-around” product) specifically permits Medicare beneficiaries to privately contract with opted-out physicians; however, due to TRICARE For Life billing limitations, Dr. Sirdar will not submit any claims to TRICARE For Life and you may not submit claims to TRICARE For Life for payment for any services provided by Dr. Sirdar. If you are covered by any of the other TRICARE plans (including but not limited to: TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Prime Remote, TRICARE Standard, TRICARE Extra, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Retired Reserve, and US Family Health Plan), Dr. Sirdar will not be able to provide services to you under her new membership practice model.
Becoming a Member
What’s the Priority List?
Before enrollment begins, we are maintaining a Priority List of patients who want to be guaranteed the opportunity to enroll as a member. Because we must keep our patients to a limited number and ensure our premium patient-focused care, we encourage you to sign up today with no fees or obligations.
When can I join?
The enrollment period will open on August 15,2025. On that date, we will accept payment and begin scheduling patient appointments. We expect to reach capacity very quickly, so we strongly encourage you to join the Priority List so you are guaranteed the opportunity to enroll.
Can I meet Dr. Sirdar before I commit?
We would love to schedule a brief 15 min introductory visit with Dr.Sirdar so we can get to know each other and make sure our practice is the right fit for your healthcare needs. This informal meet-and-greet gives us both the opportunity to ensure we can provide the personalized care you are looking for
When the enrollment period opens, how do I join?
- Complete the Enrollment Interest Form.
- Schedule your 1:1 meeting with Dr. Sirdar, if you haven’t already had one.
- Our office will reach out to you for the next steps in the enrollment process.
I have a few more questions. What should I do?
Send Dr. Sirdar an email at office@bethesdadoctor.com.
When will the Bethesda Modern office open?
We will start scheduling patients from 10/07/2025 onwards. Stay tuned for our Grand Opening and Ribbon cutting ceremony on 10/06/25!
Is it possible to see you without signing up for membership?
We offer a limited number of non-member appointments for acute or urgent concerns, including pre-operative evaluations, subject to availability. To ensure we provide the highest quality care and proper follow-up for our patients, we generally cannot accommodate one-time visits for routine wellness exams, mental health needs, ongoing chronic conditions, or second opinions.
Non-member visits are $300 per appointment (tests and procedures not included) and must be paid at the time of service.
Please note: Non-members do not have direct access to Dr. Sirdar outside their scheduled appointment.
