Benefits Included with Dale Ekstrum, M.D. Personalized Medical Care

Now, especially during these unprecedented and uncertain times, it is reassuring for my concierge patients to have a doctor they know and trust available whenever needed.

During my occasional absence from the office, a trusted colleague will serve as my covering provider.

Unlike many other medical practices, when you call my office there is no recording to navigate—only real people to take your call, with a real concern for your health and well-being.  All phone calls are returned promptly, but if you deem your problem “urgent” I will make every effort to speak to you at the time of your call.

After hours and/or on weekends, you can easily and directly reach me for urgent issues by calling or texting my personal cell phone or emailing me. However, for emergencies, always call 911 first.

Office visits will start promptly, so there will be little or no waiting time. Appointments will generally be scheduled for approximately 30 minutes, and a comprehensive annual health assessment will be scheduled for approximately 60 minutes.  My aim is to afford you the unrushed time to thoroughly address all of your  questions and concerns regardless of the reason for your visit.

You will be seen that same day or within 24 hours for acute care visits.

As part of my commitment to your long-term health, I will provide a more comprehensive and continuous approach to your overall well-being, beyond the wellness benefits provided by insurance coverage, and my thorough assessment of your health will serve as the basis of your personalized wellness plan. I will also focus on supplements, homeopathic remedies and integrative medicine and make patient-specific recommendations.  Each patient who participates will be encouraged to take part in setting his or her own goals and will receive my continuous support with follow-through in helping you reach your goals. This will aid your efforts to take an active role in managing and maintaining your good health.

If you are hospitalized, I will make myself available when I can to communicate with you and to serve as an advocate on your behalf. If you wish, unless hospital policy or protocol does not allow, I will do what I reasonably can to remain involved in your care by communicating with the hospitalists and attending physicians who are providing services to you.

If you are ill and unable to come to the office, but not housebound, a house call may be offered at no additional charge beyond the office visit fee. The need for each out-of-office visit will be determined on a case-by-case basis, at my discretion.

If you are on vacation, living some of the year in a second residence, or otherwise unable to come to the office, I will offer a “virtual” consultation as determined on a case-by-case basis. Many of your medical needs can be addressed via a “virtual” office visit using your computer or smartphone. This will be at my discretion and subject to applicable state law requirements. This includes your enrolled dependents who may be away at college. However, if in my judgment you need to be seen by a local physician, you’ll be encouraged by me to seek medical attention. I will communicate with you directly, as well as with your treating physician as needed, to support the coordination of your care and treat any health issues that may arise.

Our Covid-19 safety precautions include, but are not limited to, wearing masks, 6-feet social distancing, Covid-19 screening, taking temperatures, sanitizer dispensers throughout the office and the sanitizing of exam rooms, patient chairs, pens, and the reception desk area between each patient visit.  We schedule each patient appointment far enough apart that there is rarely more than one patient in the office at the same time. Additionally, in the rare cases when a patient may have Covid-19 symptoms, they are instructed to call first and not to enter the office. Testing is done with full PPE outside of the office with the patient remaining comfortably in their car for patient convenience and to preserve the safety of our office environment. "Virtual" Telemedicine appointments are also available. These are all protections that we have in place to optimize patient well-being and office safety.