What is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine, also known as membership-based medicine, is a relationship between a patient and a primary care physician in which the patient pays an annual fee or “retainer.”  The retainer enables the doctor to provide enhanced care. Specifically, in the concierge medicine model patients can expect:

• Same day appointments for urgent matters
• 24/7 access to the physician via cell phone/email/text
• Little or no wait times for appointments
• Longer appointment times

Concierge medicine doctors have a smaller patient base that they dedicate all of their time to than traditional internal medicine doctors. Concierge medicine doctors get to know their patients at a deeper level through longer appointments and more frequent interactions. This model of care allows the physician to develop more personal and meaningful relationships with their patients and focus more on preventative care, wellness, and disease prevention.

Some concierge physicians also offer vetting of each and every specialist they refer patients to, and specialist appointments may be expedited when indicated by a patient’s condition or time restraints.

In summary, concierge medicine may be seen as an intersection between health care and hospitality, in that every effort is made to accommodate the patient’s requests and needs. The treatments and recommendations are tailored to each patient’s preferences. The care is comprehensive, patient-centric, and unhurried. It is a perfect solution for patients who prefer timely access to care and a more proactive and personalized approach to their health.