Concierge medicine was once the favored health care option of the wealthy. Now, it is accessible to a growing number of people, if you are lucky enough to find a concierge doctor in your area or one that has availability.
The concept is simple. You pay an annual or monthly retainer fee to a doctor or medical practice, who will then provide you with a greater level of personalization and direct access to your doctor.
Doctors in concierge medicine are typically board-certified internal medicine doctors but a small number of specialists have elected to switch to concierge medicine. Concierge practices provide patients with a higher standard of care and attention while maintaining smaller patient numbers with the goal of developing stronger relationships.
Each year, a concierge practice usually sees 400 to 600 patients per doctor versus 2,000 to 3,000 patients per doctor in a traditional practice. This results in doctors spending more time with each patient, allowing for deeper discussions, more thorough physical exams and a personalized health plan tailored to specific needs or lifestyle.
Traditional primary care practices are usually part of a larger group or hospital network and often patients feel like they are just a number. Patients may be bounced around from doctor to doctor or more often are being seen by physician assistants or nurse practitioners. The lack of continuity of care can lead to medical errors, poorer care and increased hospitalizations.
With concierge medicine, rushed doctor visits with minimal face time with a physician are a thing of the past. Instead, visits are typically 45 minutes to an hour and patients can feel heard since they are given adequate time to express any concerns.
A 2022 survey found that the average wait time to schedule an appointment was 26 days, up from 24.1 days in 2017. Comparatively, concierge medicine often provides patients with direct access to their doctor, through phone, text, email or video. Patients also have the option to schedule same day or next day appointments, depending on availability and address medical concerns more quickly.
The fees associated with concierge medicine previously limited access to the broader population, but related expenses have come down in recent years making it more affordable for many. Annual fees range from $2,000 to $20,000 per year with most practices offering payment options, monthly, quarterly or annually.
Since patients are typically charged a single annual fee, many primary care visits will already be covered. Unlike a standard primary-care facility, patients will not have to pay a copay or fee every time they visit their concierge doctor. For people with chronic conditions, it can result in less expensive health care costs in the long term.
As the health care landscape continues to evolve, many businesses are recognizing the advantages of concierge medicine not just for individual wellness, but also for business productivity. For organizations looking to enhance their employee benefits package, concierge medicine presents an appealing option that delivers personalized health care services.
What better way to recruit top talent than to offer a VIP health package? Premium health care can be an attractive perk that helps recruit the most sought-after talent, separating a business from others in the field.
By partnering with a concierge medical practice, employers can offer their employees direct 24/7 access to doctors, same-day appointments, virtual care, longer consultations and comprehensive health screenings. All tailored to individual wellness needs.
Optimized employee access to health care means early detection of health problems, faster treatment and better well-being. An increased access to doctors and more efficient wait times for appointments can lead to employees taking fewer sick days, making for an overall healthier workforce and improved employee morale.
Studies have shown that personalized care delivers better health outcomes for patients, translating to lower health care costs for businesses by reducing emergency care, hospitalizations and chronic illness-related expenses. Concierge care retainer fees may be reimbursable in HSA/FSA offering a win-win for employers and employees. Both lead to a more robust bottom line.
The concierge model not only supports employee well-being but also strengthens an organization’s commitment to a healthy workplace culture.
Concierge medicine provides patients with a truly enhanced, personalized experience characterized by minimal wait times for doctor access and comprehensive care. This elevated model has proven to deliver better health outcomes to patients and makes it a worthwhile investment for many individuals and businesses that are looking for a superior level of medical care.
Dr. Nathalie Majorek is an accomplished internal medicine physician who recently moved to the Las Vegas area, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience as a respected physician leader and dedicated caregiver in the Boston area. For more information, visit CarePartnersMD.com.