Monday, August 24, 2009
Concierge medicine keeps traditional practices afloat
An interesting twist is happening for concierge care, the controversial practice where doctors eschew insurance reimbursement and enter into private arrangements with patients who pay a lump sum to get longer appointments, more access and often around-the-clock availability.
The practice model works for the physicians who do it, and nationally, about 800 offices have gone to concierge care, according to this profile in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The practice hasn't always earned the respect of internists, though, who say the model drives the burden of community care to doctors in the traditional model. In this twist, however, revenue from concierge arm of the practice keeps the rest of the office in the black.
Labels: practice management, primary care
posted by Ryan DuBosar at
11:59 AM
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5 Comments:
Concierge medicine emerged from the frustration, hassle and underpayment of physicians. I don't practice it, but I endorse the concept. Of course, I recognize that it has drawbacks, but I understand that physicians, particularly in primary care, want to have enough time to spend with patients and to be paid for it. Right now, there's too much pressure to generage volume to make a living. www.MDWhistlelblower.blogspot.com
The happiest doctors (primary care) I know are the concierge doctors. Their patients are happy and the doctors are fulfilled.
Unfortunately it is not the solution to the health reform of our Nation because it is unaffordable for most people on top of their already excessive insurance premiums, but is a type of practice that will continue to grow as access to doctors declines.
Other Doctors have left comments, but I'm a patient. I found this article and wanted to add my two cents.
I joined a practice and I love it! I'm getting much better care. It's not meant to be the solution to any healthcare crisis - Its just doctors responding to a situation they find themselves in (Insurance companies), and making it better for themselves and the patients who can afford it.
My doctor's website is http://www.mymd.us/
I'm sure he's not the only one out there, but he's mine and I love him :)
Margaret, I'm glad you enjoy your doctor's care, but the annual membership fee of $15,000 per person or $25,000 per couple probably isn't within reach for most patients.
Ryan,
I'm glad I came back to check the comments...
I agree, it's obviously not within the reach of most people! There are a lot of things most people can't afford.
You don't see most people driving a Jaguar or owning a Prada bag either, do you?
But what does that have to do with anything? That doesn't mean that concierge medicine doesn't answer the needs of a certain segment of society.
The level of service I get now, far exceeds anything I have ever experienced in my life. It would be nice if everyone could have what I have, but this is America, you get what you pay for :).
(That is not to imply that non-concierge doctors are qualitatively worse than concierge doctors - I'm just saying they don't have the same luxury of time to spend with their patients)
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