Frequently Asked Questions

At ASPIRE Internal Medicine, we look forward to providing you with personalized, seamless care. Here are some commonly asked questions about our practice.

  • Yes! At this time we are accepting new patients. The first step in becoming a patient is to schedule a meet and greet with either doctor.

  • No, we do not accept medical insurance or Medicare. ASPIRE Internal Medicine maintains a membership-based model with an annual fee for our services.

  • Yes, it will be important for you to maintain your medical insurance or Medicare plan to cover lab work, vaccinations, intravenous treatment, radiology, hospitalizations, ER visits, specialist visits, and medications. These services will be billed directly by the providers you utilize outside ASPIRE Internal Medicine.

  • We accept patients ages 18 and older without regard for their prior medical history or pre-existing conditions. If you are a prospective new patient for either Dr. Cienkus or Dr. Lulla, we encourage you to schedule a “Meet & Greet” appointment to explore whether our practice is right for you.

  • Yes, Aspire is exclusively membership-based.

  • An annual ASPIRE membership is $4000. A one-time $250 processing fee will also be assessed at the inception of your membership. ASPIRE membership ensures that there are no additional charges or co-pays for office visits, virtual care, or any other communication with your ASPIRE doctor.

  • We offer a 10% discount for the second partner in a couple, but do not offer discounts for any other family members.

  • The following services are included in the annual membership fee:

    • Comprehensive annual assessment, including review of your medical history and records, full physical exam, and screenings (depression, cognitive, vision)

    • Collaborative plan of care, including prevention plan and management of chronic illness

    • Follow up in-person office visits and virtual visits (when feasible and advisable as determined by ASPIRE via the secure, HIPAA-compliant platform)

    • 24/7 Access to your physician for urgent medical questions

    • Same day or next day appointments

    • Coordination of medical care with your specialists and your hospital team at the following NorthShore hospitals - Glenbrook, Skokie, Highland Park, and Evanston.

    • Access to our extensive referral network

    • Tests completed in our office with immediately available results (such as rapid strep, rapid flu, rapid Covid, glucose, urinalysis, and ECGs)

    • Lab draws and administration of vaccines.

  • Fees for lab work, vaccinations, intravenous treatment, radiology, hospitalizations, specialist visits, and medications are not included in your patient membership fee. These additional fees will be billed directly by NorthShore University HealthSystem to your individual insurance plan.

  • No, membership fees are not covered by your health insurance plan.

  • No, you won’t need to transfer your records. We have full access to your medical records on Epic through NorthShore, allowing us to easily coordinate your care with specialists and with NorthShore hospitals.

  • You may see or contact your ASPIRE doctor as often as is medically necessary.

  • Dr. Cienkus and Dr. Lulla have privileges at the following NorthShore University HealthSystem hospitals - Glenbrook, Skokie, Highland Park, and Evanston. We will work closely with your admitting team at the hospital to coordinate care and advocate for you if you are hospitalized.

  • Dr. Cienkus and Dr. Lulla cover for each other when one of them is on vacation.