Concierge Medicine Reviews: Tracy's PartnerMD Story

After a career in healthcare leadership, including serving as Chief Operating Officer for HCA, Tracy Stallings understood the strengths and challenges of the healthcare system. But when it came to her own care, she wasn't evaluating it as an executive. She was experiencing it as a patient.

For years, she had trusted her primary care physician. What became increasingly difficult was everything surrounding that relationship.

"I did have trust in my provider. I had a long-time relationship with my internal medicine provider, almost 15 years," Tracy says. "But the system around the provider was no longer working for me."

A Growing Frustration

Tracy says there wasn't one defining moment that led her to look for a different approach to healthcare.

"It wasn't just one event," she says. "It was the combination of a lot of different encounters in the prior health system."

Coordinating her care among multiple providers became increasingly challenging. Scheduling appointments often meant navigating automated phone systems and call centers before eventually reaching someone who could help. Even once she arrived, appointments often felt rushed.

"The system doesn't allow for a good conversation. I don't want to point fingers at a particular provider. I don't think that experience is unique to any one health system. I just grew really tired of it."

One appointment reinforced what she had been experiencing for years.

After receiving multiple reminders to arrive early for an appointment, Tracy checked in on time only to learn her physician was running about an hour behind. It wasn't the delay itself that frustrated her. It was the realization that no one had communicated the delay before she arrived.

By then, she knew her frustration wasn't with her physician. It was with the experience of getting care.

Longer appointments give physicians the time to better understand each patient's health history, goals, and long-term wellness priorities.

Making the Change

Even after deciding it was time for a change, leaving wasn't easy.

"I was not looking forward to breaking up with my provider," Tracy says. "We'd been together a long time."

Although she trusted her physician, Tracy knew she needed a different experience.

Over time, friends and neighbors shared their positive experiences with PartnerMD's Dr. Gordon Pace. Her husband joined PartnerMD, and after several conversations with a membership expert, Tracy knew she was ready to make the change.

Her first visit immediately felt different.

"I was really blown away," she says.

She appreciated the calm atmosphere, the efficient appointments, and the opportunity to have an in-depth conversation about her health.

"It was so awesome. It was unbelievable, really, because it was a lot of gathering, a lot of 'What are your goals? What have you experienced in your health, your medical, your family?' It was just a very comprehensive conversation."

Rather than leaving with unanswered questions, Tracy left with a clear plan.

"Here's the plan. Here are the things you're going to follow up on. Here's what I'm going to do. Then we're going to meet back in four months and revisit the game plan."

She also appreciated being able to complete lab work in the office, stay connected with her physician between appointments, and take advantage of health coaching.

"Although I think I know a lot, it's always good to get current information," Tracy says. "And then just the benefit of putting things back in the forefront of your mind."

When It Mattered Most

A few months after joining PartnerMD, Tracy experienced firsthand what personalized care looked like during an unexpected illness.

After becoming suddenly ill with what was later diagnosed as influenza, she became unusually fatigued and confused. Concerned by her symptoms, her husband called PartnerMD.

The physician on call, Dr. Matthew Paine, spoke with Tracy, recommended they go immediately to the emergency department, and coordinated her care before she arrived. Fortunately, testing ruled out a stroke and confirmed influenza. Tracy was treated quickly, and members of the PartnerMD team continued checking on her after she returned home.

One aspect that meant the most to Tracy was the support both Dr. Matthew Paine and Dr. Gordon Pace showed her husband throughout the experience. Knowing her spouse was cared for and kept informed gave her even greater peace of mind. 

"It's about the speed of intervention, the coordination of the care, and then the follow-up. That is what I wish everybody in America could have."

Looking back, Tracy credits the quick intervention and follow-up care with her speedy recovery.

Dr. Matthew Paine coordinated Tracy's care during an unexpected illness, helping her receive prompt evaluation and follow-up.

A Different Experience

Today, Tracy says healthcare feels more personal, more convenient, and more collaborative.

"It's much more attainable. It's much more convenient," she says. "I feel like there's a lot of confidence that I have in the care, that they have time to consider and to think about and to plan and communicate."

Perhaps the biggest difference is the peace of mind she feels knowing her physician and care team are there when she needs them.

"I feel like they've got my back," Tracy says. "I feel secure in my relationship with PartnerMD."

When friends become frustrated with their healthcare experience, Tracy is happy to share her own.

"You have a choice," she says. "It's a good investment."

For someone who spent a career in healthcare leadership, that's a recommendation shaped by both professional insight and personal experience.

If Tracy's story resonates with you and you're looking for a more personal healthcare experience built on trust, time, and meaningful relationships, complete our form to schedule a conversation with a PartnerMD team member and learn more about membership.