There are different options for health care in the U.P. The latest option is subscription-based and will appeal to people who are seeking to establish a long-term relationship with their physician and explore alternative treatment options for pain and other ailments.
The diversity in health care delivery that is prevalent across the country is reflected right here in the U.P. with
Sage Premier HealthCare and Walk-In Clinic, which officially opened its doors in 2013.
The new walk-in clinic is subscription-based, which should appeal to those without insurance.
"Many people in the Upper Peninsula are uninsured," says Sage Premier owner, Michelle Delisle, adding that "people come from all over."
The subscription fee includes 24 hour contact with the attending physician, Dr. Jonathon Robertson, D.O., via email and phone except for weekends and holidays. Lab work, tests and exams are billed extra. Non-members can also receive services, including urgent care and on a walk-in basis. However, Delisle says the membership model will appeal in particular to families with children and those who have regular, planned doctor visits.
The clinic focuses on pain management, "unhurried" appointments, long-term wellness, and holistic remedies. Dr. Robertson is interested in "developing relationships that serve individual health through proper care for the whole person."
Sage Premier is also in the business of evaluating, certifying, and recommending patients for medical marijuana treatments.
"Medical cannabis can be a better alternative for pain management than opiates," Delisle explains.
Sage Premier has also purchased a 4D sonogram, which can do ultrasounds for expectant mothers. Delisle says some people were driving as far as Appleton, Wisconsin for this service.
Delisle says they have room to expand at their present location and intend to do so in the future, adding to the services they offer and amount of patients they can see.
Dr. Robertson is a graduate of the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at Virginia Tech and has completed a family residency.
Subscription fees run to $55 per month or $600 per year for an individual, or $95 per month or $1,000 per year for a couple. Then, each child is additionally $30 a month or $300 a year. Sage Premier Health Care is located at 2250 U.S. 41, Suite 1 in Chocolay Township just south of Marquette, and is
online here.
Neil Moran is a freelance writer in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and owner of Haylake Business Communications. You can find him on Twitter at @moranwrite.
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