Most of us struggle to find doctors we trust who accept our plans, only to spend hours in waiting rooms. Concierge physicians charge a high flat fee, which includes visits and most diagnostics, while others, accept insurance and charge an additional annual fee for the perks.
As compensation from insurance companies has plummeted, more practices are offering these extras rather than staying afloat by seeing twice the number of patients. Between 2012 and 2013, the number of doctors practicing concierge medicine increased sixfold, to approximately 4,400 nationwide.
Establishing close doctor-patient relationships is one of the model’s biggest draws for the doctors. .They let doctors practice in a way they’ve always wanted to — getting to know and spend time with their patients. Some patients will find preferred treatment not only with their own doctors, but top-notch service from their physicians’ colleagues, too.
Concierge practices are generally set up to avoid rushing the patient or long waits in the waiting room. But others choose to pay yearly fees to physicians to get preferential treatment, such as 24/7 access, immediate appointments, guarantees of no waiting-room limbo and more face time with doctors. Many docs will open on weekends, make house calls and coordinate with a patient’s specialists.
The yearly costs vary but for many the cost is cheap for the improved health care.
Do you know a concierge doctor, or are your one? Please let me know!
