Cardiac Institute of the Palm Beaches

The Consortium is the membership program at Cardiac Institute of the Palm Beaches. All patients must enroll to remain under Dr. Fenster's care. The program supports his ability to operate as a solo, independent practitioner who personally sees every patient. Membership gives patients direct after-hours access to Dr. Fenster, a live person answering the phone during office hours, and full care coordination and hospital advocacy.

Yes. Every patient at Cardiac Institute of the Palm Beaches must enroll in the Consortium. Dr. Fenster does not offer tiered memberships. Every member receives the same level of care. Patients who choose not to enroll receive a referral list of alternate cardiologists.

The practice invoices the annual membership fee each October. Payment is due by December 1 to take effect on January 1 of the following year. New patients joining for the first time may pro-rate the membership fee for their first year only. Returning patients who previously left the practice pay the full annual fee upon their return.

No. Medicare, secondary insurance, and supplementary insurances do not cover the Consortium membership fee. The fee also cannot be paid using deductibles or HSA funds. The practice continues to bill Medicare and supplemental insurances as usual for medical services rendered.

Yes. Cardiac Institute of the Palm Beaches accepts Medicare and supplemental insurances to Medicare. The practice does not accept Medicare HMOs. The Consortium membership fee is separate from Medicare billing and does not affect a patient's Medicare coverage in any way.

Yes. Consortium members have virtually immediate, direct access to Dr. Fenster after hours. During office hours, a live person answers the phone to handle patient needs. Dr. Fenster may not be available during vacations or weekends when he is not on call.

Dr. Fenster sees patients at Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center and Jupiter Medical Center. He performs invasive cardiac procedures at both hospitals. He made a deliberate decision to limit his hospital affiliations so he can provide consistent, focused care across the northern Palm Beaches.

Yes. New patients who have never visited the practice before can establish care with Dr. Fenster from the hospital. Established patients who previously chose not to enroll can also join from the hospital. Annual fees do not apply pro-rated rates for returning patients or established patients joining mid-year.

Beyond cardiac care, Consortium membership gives patients a healthcare advocate for any medical situation. Dr. Fenster encourages members to call him with questions during any hospital stay, cardiac or not. Membership also covers care coordination and direct physician access that operates independently from insurance-driven decisions.

Palm Beach Heart Strong is a distinct initiative offered by Cardiac Institute of the Palm Beaches. It reflects Dr. Fenster's focus on cardiovascular prevention and patient education in the Palm Beach community.