6 Real Challenges Patients Face with Concierge Medicine

Concierge medicine offers a more personal approach to healthcare. Many people are drawn to it because they want shorter waits, longer visits, and doctors who truly know them. When it works well, it can provide a dramatically better care experience than traditional models.

At PartnerMD, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping individuals and families receive care that is tailored to their needs. Our experience has shown that while concierge care can offer meaningful benefits, it may not be the right fit for everyone.

Like any healthcare model, concierge medicine comes with certain limitations. If you're considering joining a concierge practice or if you've already joined and something feels off, understanding these common challenges can help you make more informed decisions and improve your experience.

In this article, we’ll walk through six common challenges that patients often encounter when considering or using concierge care. Understanding these potential roadblocks can help you decide whether this model is a good fit for your healthcare needs.

1. Questioning whether you need concierge care

Concierge medicine is designed for people who want a deeper relationship with their physician and easier access to care. But not every patient needs to make that change.

If your current primary care doctor provides consistent, thoughtful care and you feel well-supported, then a switch may not be necessary. While traditional practices often have limited time and resources, some physicians continue to provide excellent service despite those constraints.

What you can do :
If you're curious about concierge care, take time to evaluate what’s missing from your current care experience. Do you want more time with your doctor or easier access? If you're unsure, schedule a consultation to explore whether a more personalized approach could improve your experience.

2. Underutilizing the benefits of your membership

Concierge care offers expanded services, but those benefits only matter if you actually use them. This includes same-day or next-day appointments, advanced physicals, direct communication with your physician, and often access to wellness resources like coaching or preventive screenings.

Some patients expect an improved experience just by signing up. But membership only adds value when you take full advantage of what it offers.

If you rarely schedule appointments, do not reach out with questions, or overlook available wellness programs, you may feel underwhelmed. Active engagement is essential to get the most from concierge care.

What you can do:
Review your membership benefits and choose one to engage with in the next 30 days. That might mean booking a wellness visit, emailing your physician with a question, or attending a nutrition session. Concierge care works best when you use it proactively, not reactively.

3. Not building full trust with your doctor

A key advantage of concierge medicine is the opportunity to build trust and communication over time. This allows your physician to understand more than just your symptoms.

However, that trust needs to be mutual. If you withhold information about your health habits, emotional well-being, or past concerns, even the most experienced physician will be limited in how much they can help.

Concierge physicians typically have more time and context to support your goals, but the quality of care depends on openness and honesty. If you do not feel comfortable, it may be worth discussing the relationship or exploring other options.

What you can do:
Start small. Share something you may have been holding back, even if it feels minor. Let your physician know how you prefer to communicate. Building trust takes time, but honesty and clarity are the foundation of a stronger relationship.

4. Limited access to concierge doctors nearby

Concierge care has expanded significantly in recent years, but it is still not equally available everywhere. In some areas, there may only be one or two practices. If the practice you are interested in is not accepting new patients or does not feel like the right fit, it can be difficult to find alternatives nearby.

That’s why it’s important to research your options early, especially if you live outside a major metro area. In some markets, access to concierge care may be limited simply due to population density or provider supply.

What you can do:
Start by researching concierge practices in your area to understand what’s available. If options are limited, consider joining a waitlist or scheduling a consultation in advance. You may need to plan to secure the physician you want, especially if availability is tight.

5. Misunderstanding what concierge care does

While concierge medicine offers enhanced access and communication, it is not a perfect system. It is important to understand what it can and cannot deliver.

For example, same-day appointments are often available, but not always immediate. After-hours calls may sometimes be answered by another member of the care team. These situations do not reflect poor service. They reflect the normal operation of a medical practice that prioritizes both access and sustainability.

Concierge care also does not replace the broader healthcare system. You will still need referrals, lab tests, and sometimes hospital care. 

What you can do:
Ask your practice to explain what is included in your membership and what is not. Review any materials they provide and ask questions like “How often can I see my doctor?” or “Who handles after-hours calls?” Clear expectations lead to a better experience.

6. Struggling with the cost of concierge medicine

For many people, the biggest barrier to concierge care is the membership fee. Unlike traditional primary care, concierge medicine requires an upfront financial investment. That can be difficult for individuals or families who are managing tight budgets or already paying high insurance premiums.

Membership fees vary widely across the country. Some practices charge $10,000 or more per year. Others fall into a more accessible range of $2,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on location and services. PartnerMD, for example, offers pricing that is often more affordable than other options in the same markets, with rates starting around $2,500 per year for adults.

It is important to remember that the fee is not just for convenience. It covers a different kind of healthcare experience. You are paying for time, access, and proactive care that may not be possible in a traditional model.

What you can do:
Before dismissing concierge care because of the cost, take a moment to think about what you spend on other recurring services or experiences. Many people spend more annually on subscriptions or dining out. Ask yourself if your health deserves a higher spot on your priority list. The value of better care, stronger relationships, and less stress may be worth it.

Making concierge care work for you

Concierge medicine can offer an outstanding care experience, but only if it aligns with your needs, expectations, and level of involvement.

Start by identifying what matters most to you in a healthcare relationship. Do you want better access, more time during visits, or a stronger connection with your doctor? If so, concierge care may be worth exploring, especially if you understand the model and use it fully.

If you want to learn more about how concierge medicine works and whether it is right for you, download our free guide, Understanding Concierge Medicine. It will walk you through what to expect and how to make the most of your membership.