Primary care that comes to you

COMMpanion Primary Care is the same high-quality care that your doctor currently provides but tailored to your schedule and, usually, without the trip to the office. Because the providers in the COMMpanion Primary Care network are limited to fewer patients than typical providers, they are able to take the time to get to know you and your healthcare needs.

COMMpanion Primary Care is an ideal solution for patients who have difficulty reaching their doctor's office; strict work hours; chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, which could benefit from additional support; want a personalized approach to their healthcare and a team to assist them in keeping track of their health throughout the year; or a busy life juggling multiple responsibilities like childcare, eldercare or simply like the flexibility of accessing care on their terms.

No. COMMpanion is a primary care membership with a flat monthly fee. You should maintain health insurance or other coverage for hospitalizations, emergencies, specialist care, prescriptions, and lab costs. We do not submit claims to insurance on your behalf. If you have out-of-pocket expenses through COMMpanion (e.g. for labs or in-person care) you will be charged, and we will provide you with a receipt that you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement if you choose.

Any member of your family 18 years of age and older is welcome to join COMMpanion Primary Care.

Yes, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania and physically located in the state during each telehealth visit. This is because of a licensing requirement in the state of Pennsylvania, not just a preference.

The majority of health problems can be handled through conversation, without an in-person examination. When your COMMpanion provider decides that an in-person examination is needed for a specific problem such as a knee injury, or if you need a full in-person physical exam such as for a driver's license physical, your provider will arrange for that examination at our exclusive in-person physical location.

Aside from physical examination, basic testing such as strep throat swab and urine testing is available at the site when your provider determines that testing is needed.

For any needs beyond primary care, we'll coordinate a referral to the right specialist.

Call 911. COMMpanion is not an emergency service. If something urgent but non-emergency comes up, your provider can help with symptom guidance and next steps during a visit.

Your care is delivered by licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants backed by Penn State Health. You'll be matched with one provider who stays with you visit after visit, so they learn your history, not just your symptoms. You have the option to see different providers in our practice if you prefer, though.

No, having two primary care providers can lead to conflicting treatments, medication errors, and gaps in your records. When you enroll, we'll help you transition smoothly and request your records from your current provider.

Your annual subscription includes the following lab tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) for assessing anemia and infection, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) for evaluating electrolyte, kidney, and liver function, A1c for diabetes screening, and Lipid Profile for measuring blood cholesterol levels.

Any lab tests that are required for care beyond the yearly examination will be billed to you directly at discounted prices we are able to offer through your membership. All lab tests will be done at an affiliated facility that is convenient to our in-person location.

COMMpanion providers manage medications appropriate for virtual care under specific, limited conditions, but ongoing prescribing of controlled substances (such as certain anxiety or pain medications) is outside the scope of this membership. Your provider can discuss alternatives or help coordinate with a specialist if needed.

You may access the COMMpanion Primary Care service in three ways.

App by Athenahealth — The most convenient way to access care with COMMpanion is through the mobile phone app. Download the mobile app by searching "AthenaPatient" in the respective app store or clicking the links here for iOS or Android. When registering in the app, be sure to use the same email address you used to sign up for the service in order to sync your account. In the app you will find your appointment schedule, summaries of each visit and your health care plan. From the app, you can message our health navigators, nurses and physicians; schedule appointments, including urgent care visits; and request referrals and prescription refills by messaging the care team. You will use either the app or the website to enter the video calls with your doctor during your scheduled appointments.

Website — If you prefer to use your computer to access your information and care team, everything that is available in the app is also available on patient portal website. Each customer has a unique link to the portal and yours will be located in the email confirmation you received when you registered for the program. Your username and password are the same for the app and the website. If you have lost your registration email, you may call our help line at 833-PSH-CMPN (833-774-2676) and a care navigator will be able to send you a new one.

Phone — If you are having trouble using the app or prefer to discuss your question over the phone, our health navigators and nurses are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at 833-PSH-CMPN (833-774-2676).

You will need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera, microphone, and a reliable internet connection to access our patient portal for video visits and communicating with your provider.

Each organization has a unique login link for their members to access the COMMpanion patient portal. This link will be located in the welcome email you received when you enrolled in the program. If you have forgotten your login credentials to the COMMpanion patient portal, please call us at 833-PSH-CMPN (833-774-2676) and a care navigator will be able to assist you.

Log into your COMMpanion patient portal and click "Schedule Appointment".

COMMpanion maintains the same high level of security that all Penn State Health medical teams provide. COMMpanion is HIPAA compliant and meets all other state and federal healthcare security laws. Furthermore, your information is private and will not be sold to a company without your knowledge.

Absolutely, and we encourage communication from you. Secure messaging is included in your membership for non-urgent questions, follow-ups, or updates between scheduled visits.

There is a four-month minimum commitment. If you cancel during that period, you will still be charged for the remaining months. After the minimum period, you can cancel anytime, and your access will continue through the end of your current billing cycle with no further charges.

Yes. In many cases, COMMpanion membership fees may be paid using your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You should confirm eligibility and reimbursement requirements with your plan administrator or tax advisor.

Unfortunately, no. Regulatory requirements prohibit participants in federal health programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-funded programs, from participating in this program.