Concierge medicine offers personalized healthcare with benefits like more time with your doctor and 24/7 access. But it comes at a cost.
Concierge medicine is a healthcare model that gives you more direct access to your doctor.
Unlike traditional medical practices, which often have a doctor seeing many people but not having much time with them, concierge practices limit the number of people doctors see. This means doctors can spend more time with each person, often offering same-day or next-day appointments and being more available through phone, email, and even house calls.
Let’s explore how concierge medicine works, compare it with traditional primary care, and help you decide if it might be a good fit for you.
Concierge medicine and traditional primary care differ mainly in their approach to patient care and accessibility.
Traditional primary care
Traditional primary care practices are open to everyone without any membership fees (not including insurance costs).
These practices typically have many patients, and doctors see around 20 people daily. This can lead to short appointment times and waits of up to several weeks for available appointments. The focus is often on managing as many people as possible rather than providing in-depth, personalized care.
Concierge medicine
In contrast, in the concierge medicine model, you pay an annual fee or retainer directly to your doctor or practice. This fee gives you access to a range of premium services, such as:
- same-day visits
- longer appointments
- immediate access to your doctor by cell phone and email
- minimal waiting times in private, comfortable waiting rooms
- home and hospital visits
- coordination with the rest of your medical team
Concierge practices limit the number of patients they take on. Doctors usually see around six to eight people daily. This allows them to spend more time with each person and provide a more personalized experience.
Choosing concierge medicine comes with various
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| more time with your doctor | high annual fees not covered by insurance or Medicare |
| easier access to care (often 24/7) | may not cover all medical needs |
| personalized care and attention | limited availability of doctors in some areas |
| same-day or next-day appointments | can be seen as elitist or only for the wealthy |
| often more focused on wellness and preventive care | doctors may “cherry-pick” their patients, potentially choosing those who require the least amount of attention |
The cost of concierge medicine varies widely depending on the following factors:
- your location
- your doctor’s experience
- services provided
In 2014, concierge practices charged $1,500 to $1,700 per year for a retainer. But since then, the prices have increased significantly, with some anecdotal evidence suggesting that the current fee can be as high as $10,000 yearly.
People usually pay the fee upfront. It covers the personalized services and extra time you get with your doctor, but it doesn’t include hospital visits, specialist care, or emergency services.
Concierge medicine works differently with insurance compared with traditional practices.
The retainer fee you pay for concierge services generally covers the doctor’s availability and time but is separate from your insurance.
In most cases, you’ll still need health insurance to cover hospital stays, lab tests, specialist visits, emergency care, and other services your concierge doctor doesn’t provide.
Some concierge practices do bill insurance for certain services, but this varies, so it’s essential to clarify how your insurance works with the concierge model before signing up.
Many people who use concierge medicine sign up for high deductible health insurance plans.
Concierge medicine isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to determine if it might be a good fit for you.
When it may be a good fit
Concierge medicine may be right for you if you:
- want more personalized attention
- need frequent medical attention but don’t require a lot of specialist visits — for example, if you have a chronic condition that your primary doctor manages, such as asthma or high blood pressure
- value convenience
- have an unpredictable schedule
When it could be a bad fit
On the other hand, it’s probably not a good fit if you:
- are on a tight budget
- don’t visit your primary care doctor often
- visit a lot of specialists or have frequent hospital stays
To find a concierge doctor, you can start by searching online for practices in your area that offer this model of care.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or members of your medical team. Alternatively, you could check with your insurance provider, but this method will only include doctors who work with your insurance plan.
Before choosing a concierge practice, make sure you ask about the services offered, the annual fees, and how the practice interacts with your insurance.
Let’s discuss a few questions that you may have about concierge medicine.
Does concierge medicine include home visits?
Many concierge doctors offer home visits as part of their service, especially for people who have difficulty getting to the office or for those who require more immediate attention. But this service varies by practice, so it’s best to confirm with your chosen provider.
Is concierge medicine ethical?
Concierge medicine raises some ethical questions because it may create a two-tiered healthcare system where only those who can afford the high fees receive enhanced care. Although it provides better access and personalized care for those who can pay, it may contribute to broader disparities in healthcare access and equity.
Are concierge doctors educated and certified?
Concierge doctors are fully licensed and certified like any other medical professional. Many have extensive experience and choose this model to provide a different kind of care, focusing on quality over quantity. Before selecting a concierge doctor, you can verify their credentials and experience through state medical boards or professional organizations.
Concierge medicine offers a more personalized approach to healthcare with the benefit of increased access and time with your doctor. But it comes with a significant cost and may not cover all your medical needs. So, it’s essential to consider whether this model aligns with your healthcare preferences and financial situation.
If you value convenience and personalized attention and can afford the fees, concierge medicine might be worth exploring.