How to Find the Right Concierge Doctor: 6 Questions to Ask

If you're considering concierge medicine, you're likely looking for more time with your doctor, better access, and care that goes beyond quick fixes.

But how can you tell which concierge physician will actually deliver on those promises?

Not every doctor who offers concierge services provides the same level of support, attention, or follow-through.

At PartnerMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients navigate this exact decision over the last 20 years. We know what separates one concierge doctor from another and, more importantly, what matters when it comes to finding the best fit for your health.

It’s not just about who calls themselves a concierge doctor. It’s about finding a physician and a practice that consistently deliver personalized, proactive care.

In this article, we’ll help you evaluate your options by walking through six key areas to consider when choosing a concierge doctor, including:

• Their overall approach to care and how it aligns with your health goals
• What kind of access and communication you can expect
• How much time they spend with each patient
• Whether they offer preventive tools and wellness services
• How well they coordinate care beyond the exam room
• Do they deliver on the concierge experience?

1. What is their approach to care?

Every concierge physician has a slightly different approach. Some focus heavily on prevention and early detection. Others concentrate more on helping you manage chronic conditions or optimize your performance over time. Some emphasize conventional primary care, while others blend in elements of lifestyle or integrative medicine.

Before choosing a physician, think about what kind of care you want. 

• Are you looking for someone to guide you in improving long-term health and preventing disease?
• Do you need a physician experienced in managing complex or ongoing conditions? 
• Does their philosophy of care align with your goals and preferences? 

The best concierge doctor for you is one whose approach reflects what matters most to you.

2. How accessible are they?

Access is a core promise of concierge care, but how that’s delivered can differ by physician and practice. Some doctors provide direct cell phone or email access. Others rely on office staff to triage communication, even after hours.

Ask about:

• How can you reach your doctor when you have a question or concern?
• What happens if you need help in the evening or on a weekend?
• Whether you will always speak to your physician or go through support staff first

When you're investing in this kind of care, it's important to understand exactly what level of responsiveness and access you can expect, not just during office hours, but all the time.

3. How long are appointments, and how many patients do they see?

Even among concierge doctors, visit length and panel size can vary. Ideally, appointments should be long enough to go beyond quick fixes and really explore what's going on with your health. At the same time, the fewer patients a doctor has, the more flexibility they have to accommodate your needs.

Ask how many patients the physician typically sees. Practices with panels of 300 to 600 patients are able to maintain longer appointments, take same-day visits, and provide care that feels thoughtful and thorough. This structure is what allows them to develop real relationships and get ahead of health issues before they escalate.

4. Do they offer preventive tools and wellness support?

Some concierge physicians stick to traditional primary care. Others build on that foundation with advanced testing and proactive strategies for long-term health. If you’re looking for more than just check-ups and sick visits, it’s worth asking what else is included in your membership.

Look for services such as

• Comprehensive annual physicals with advanced diagnostic testing
• Ongoing access to a certified health coach for support with diet, exercise, stress, and sleep
• Preventive screenings tailored to your age, health history, and personal goals

A doctor who prioritizes wellness will take the time to understand your risks and help you stay ahead of future problems, not just react when something goes wrong.

5. How well do they coordinate specialist care?

Even with a great concierge doctor, there will be times when you need to see a specialist, get imaging, or receive hospital care. The right physician will guide you through that process, not just hand you a referral.

Ask if they actively help schedule specialist visits, share records directly, and stay in touch with other providers.

Do they follow up to make sure you understand the results and next steps? Do they manage the big picture when multiple providers are involved?

True concierge care doesn’t stop at the exam room. It follows you across the entire healthcare journey.

6. Do they deliver on the concierge experience?

Concierge medicine should feel different from the moment you walk in the door, not just in theory, but in your day-to-day experience. It’s not just about what’s promised in a brochure. It’s about what actually happens.

Ask yourself:

• Are appointments consistently long enough for meaningful conversations?

• Are you seen promptly, without waiting in the lobby?

• Do you feel like the physician and their team know you and follow through?

Some concierge physicians operate independently, setting their own standards. Others work within structured organizations that define and support consistent levels of care. Either model can work well. The key is making sure the physician you choose not only offers concierge medicine but lives it out in practice.

Ready to find the right concierge physician?

Choosing a concierge doctor isn’t just about finding someone who offers membership-based care. It’s about choosing a physician who aligns with your values, understands your health goals, and provides the level of access and attention you expect.

If you’re investing in this kind of care, you deserve a doctor who listens, takes time with you, and supports you through every stage of your health journey.

At PartnerMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients make this decision with confidence. Whether you’re focused on prevention, managing a chronic condition, or simply want a better experience with your healthcare, we’re here to help.

Interested in talking to someone about joining PartnerMD? Complete the form to connect with a PartnerMD expert who can guide you through your options and help match you with the right physician.