1. How do we differ from other traditional medical practices?

Radius Health is a medical practice that focuses entirely on personalized men's health. We have created an environment with you in mind. Radius Health is a small, intimate practice in a pleasing and comfortable setting. Radius Health will never be a large "patient mill" practice or a "clinic", where none medical services like spa treatments will be offered. Dr. Bucher wants to personally know your medical needs and concerns so he can recommend the most appropriate individualized care for you. Every effort will be made to accommodate your scheduling needs for same day or next business day appointments with little or no office waiting time. We even offer evening and weekend appointments and our appointments are typically longer and more relaxed. As our patient, you will have Dr. Bucher's cell phone number, giving you access to him 24/7 for your most urgent medical needs outside of regular office hours.   

2. What is the mission?

Radius Health provides exceptional men's healthcare services through the development of relationships and personalized care to treat illness and promote healthy lifestyles.

3. What services are provided?

Radius Health strives to address all of your primary care and preventive medical needs. On site medical services include hormone, vaccine, and antibiotic injections, infusions, x-rays, HIV testing, anal pap smears, EKG's. For your convenience we also offer on-site Lab Services right in our practice.

4. Do you offer disease management?

Yes. Medical care requires that many disease states such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cholesterol problems, heart disease, and high blood pressure, among others, be managed in a variety of ways. Radius Health strives to comply with or exceed the "best practice guidelines" that have been established to optimize patient care. Dr. Bucher keeps current with the latest medical breakthroughs. He has published and presented extensively in the area of HIV/AIDS, and will apply his clinical knowledge and expertise to assist you in maintaining optimal health.

5. I am a HIV positive patient. Should I see a primary care physician and a HIV specialist?

You have come to the right place with this question. As per the August 2008 issue of "The Aids Reader", the ideal solution for your specific medical needs is an experienced HIV care provider who also offers primary care. Dr. Bucher focuses on MALE primary care and specializes in HIV/AIDS care.

6. Wouldn't it be better for me to go to a larger practice with many providers?

It all depends on what type of care and setting you prefer. If you do not care about the fact that you could be seen by a different doctor every time you visit a clinic; if it does not matter to you that the clinic staff does not remember you; if it does not bother you to wait in a huge waiting room for your appointment, then one of these large research clinics maybe the place for you to go, BUT if you want to be welcomed by a friendly person when you walk into our small waiting lounge; if you look forward to be seen by the same doctor, who actually takes the time to get to know you and all your medical issues, THEN Radius Health should be your choice. We look forward to welcoming you.

7. What types of health insurance does Radius Health accept?

Radius Health is an in-network provider for most PPO health plans and participates in the Medicare program. Radius Health does not accept HMO health plans or Medicaid. Please check out the "Insurance" tab on our website for a complete list of insurance plans that are accepted at Radius Health. If you do not see your health plan listed, please call us. To be able to serve our patients best, we are always looking to expand our in-network affiliation with other health plans. Special arrangements may be made if your health plan is out-of-network or you are paying out of pocket. 


8. What if I need to see a specialist or a surgeon?

You are free to see any specialist you wish. We are available to help you decide which specialists are the most appropriate for your medical condition. Dr. Bucher will help coordinate your consultation by sending the appropriate medical information to the specialist prior to your appointment. Dr. Bucher utilizes specialists at St. Joseph Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush Medical Center, and other specialty hospitals.

9. What if I have an emergency?

If you have a LIFE-THREATENING emergency, call 911 immediately. For minor URGENT problems that do not require emergency medical attention, Dr. Bucher prefers that you call him at Radius Health at 773.327.1600 during regular business hours or on his cell phone after hours or on weekends. 

10. What happens if I move out of the area?

If you move out of the area, a copy of your medical records will be sent to your new physician upon receipt of a signed medical records release form.


11. What do I do if I become ill while out of town?

Call 911 if you have a LIFE-THREATENING emergency. For minor URGENT problems, call Dr. Bucher at Radius Health during regular business hours or on his cell phone after hours or on weekends. It may be possible to address your medical problem on the phone. With the exception of controlled substance medications, most prescriptions can be ordered anywhere in the country. If you do seek care at an emergency room or urgent care center you can insruct that physician to call Dr. Bucher to answer any questions that physician may have about your medical history or your medications.

12. Is there a co-pay for office visits?

Co-pays are pre-determined by your insurance provider and all co-pays will be collected at the time of the office visit.


13. Does Radius Health utilize EMR?

We utilize Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to keep track of all your medical happenings, i.e. office visits, lab results, medications and much more. EMR provides a much cleaner work environment in a very secure setting. Patients can complete a part of their registration through our website, providing Dr. Bucher with some of your medical history prior to your first visit, allowing Dr. Bucher to get to know you without you ever stepping a foot into our office.

We even handle your medication needs through that system. Once you provide us with the pharmacy of your choice we enter that particular pharmacies ID# into our EMR program and from there on most of your new prescriptions (not mail orders) are only one mouse click away. Your refills are handled the same way. You call your pharmacy to order your standing medications and should you have no more refills left, you ask the pharmacist to contact Dr. Bucher. The pharmacist then in return request the refill ELECTONICALLY and we reply ELECTONICALLY all without ever having to pick up the phone, maybe having to leave a message for the pharmacist etc. Miscommunications are pretty much eliminated that way, getting you the right medication from the get go.

We are more than happy to assist you with all our technology.

14. What are Dr. Bucher's credentials?

Dr. Bucher is Board certified in Family Medicine. He is a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Nutrition. He has been practicing medicine for more than 15 years. Dr. Bucher focuses on men's health. He provides both primary care and preventive medicine. His special interests include heart disease, cholesterol problems, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, weight issues, nutrition and exercise. 
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