PartnerMD vs. Other Concierge Practices: What's Different?

At PartnerMD, we talk to people every day looking for a better primary care experience.

Sometimes, it's people asking, "Is concierge medicine worth it as they consider switching over for the first time while exploring several options. 

Other times, it’s a person who already has experience in a concierge practice, so they’ve got the basics down.

One common question we get: What’s different about PartnerMD than other concierge practices?

At PartnerMD, there are a few primary differences compared to other practices, as well as a few subtle differences in how we operate.

Let us explain.

1. Concierge medicine membership fee.

The most obvious difference is the cost. The cost of concierge medicine memberships varies by practice, usually between $2,000-$5,000 per year.

At PartnerMD, our annual rate is $2,500 or $208.33 per month, and we offer discounted rates for young adults and children. Use our online cost calculator to get an instant quote.

In addition, at PartnerMD, you can pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, and it’ll be the same price in total. There is no discount for paying upfront. Some practices require monthly or annual payments only.

However, our Classic Physical is typically covered once every 12 months by most insurance plans. It provides more time with the physician than a standard physical. It does not include any advanced labs or tests. Spirometry and EKG are included only when medically necessary. 

2. Concierge medicine and health insurance.

We accept most major insurance, as well as Medicare. We do not accept Medicaid or Tricare. View a list of participating insurance plans we accept here.

Your health insurance works at PartnerMD like it would at a traditional practice. Medical expenses are covered by your insurance and work the same as they would at a traditional practice.

We also require a full health insurance plan, not just catastrophic coverage.

Some concierge practices do not accept insurance, although those are more likely to technically be direct pay primary care practices. In addition, some do not accept Medicare.

3. Concierge medicine cancellation process.

We’re proud to offer a no-strings-attached cancellation policy. You are not locked into any long-term contract at PartnerMD.

If you’d like to cancel, we ask for 30 days written notice. If you’ve paid any membership fees in advance – likely quarterly or annually – we’ll pro-rate your money back.

Other concierge practices may not offer to pro-rate your money back at all. MDVIP will only pro-rate your money back if you have not received your annual physical for the year. That’s attributed to the fact that they include the physical within your membership fee.

4. 24/7 access to concierge care.

24/7 access to care is a staple of concierge medicine. Just about every practice will offer it. However, how each practice operates its 24/7 access to care is different.

Some provide 24/7 direct access to your personal physician via phone, text, or email. At PartnerMD, we guarantee 24/7 access to a PartnerMD physician. It may not be your physician, because our doctors rotate on-call responsibilities, but it will always be a PartnerMD physician.

Why do we do it that way?

As a concierge practice, we’re a solution for patients and doctors alike who are fed up with the traditional primary care model.

We believe your physician deserves a break sometimes, too. Doctors need dedicated time off so that they can maintain the highest standard of care possible.

But we also believe you should always have someone with access to your medical records. At other practices, concierge doctors on vacation or traveling for work will enlist another physician from another practice to handle their calls.

Because they are not part of your physician’s practice, they will not have access to your medical records.

By keeping after-hours and weekend care “in the family,” our on-call physicians maintain access to your medical records. When you call, they can pull up your records and get a complete picture of your health.

Ultimately, we believe this strikes the right balance for you, the patient, and for our doctors. You get peace of mind from knowing you have access to informed, trusted physician care 24/7/365, and our doctors get the opportunity to regroup and recharge so they can provide top-notch concierge care for the long term.

5. Advanced physical options.

As mentioned earlier, advanced physicals are a pillar of the concierge medicine experience.

Once a year, you deserve an even more in-depth look at your health.

Most concierge practices offer an advanced physical with some combination of the traditional labs and screenings and advanced tests. Sometimes, it may just be a longer appointment with your physician.

At PartnerMD, we offer three types of advanced physicals that all include an extended sit-down with your physician to review your complete health picture:

• Classic (2-Hr ) Physical: Included in the cost of your membership and covered by most insurance once per year.
• Enhanced (5-Hr) Physical: Members receive $500 off the standard, out-of-pocket cost. A next-level look at your health picture. Lasting a half-day, you receive everything within a Classic Physical, plus valuable insights into your heart health through a Cleveland HeartLab Advanced Cardiac Profile and your choice of up to 2 additional advanced customization options. This can be particularly useful for new members, as it gives your new physician the most accurate picture of your health.
• Signature (8-Hr) Physical: The gold standard of advanced physicals. Members also receive $500 off this upgrade. A daylong deep dive that provides a complete picture of your health, with valuable insights into your heart health through a Cleveland HeartLab Advanced Cardiac Profile and your choice of up to 6 additional advanced customization options.

6. Wellness programs and health coaching. 

At PartnerMD, we believe strongly in the power of wellness. Our goal is not just to cure illness when needed but to prevent it in the first place.

PartnerMD members have exclusive access to Wellness University, our comprehensive platform that features more than 70 courses on nutrition, exercise, stress and sleep, and cognitive health is included in the cost of your membership. This includes online videos, webinars, and one-on-one sessions with one of our on-staff certified health coaches.

Whether you need an accountability partner throughout the year or need structured help getting in better shape, our wellness team is here for you at no extra charge.

7. A comprehensive, team-based approach to concierge primary care.

There are numerous concierge medicine practices out there. Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 12,000 concierge doctors in the United States today. And there are a lot of highly skilled and terrific concierge doctors.

We understand that that’s exactly what you may be looking for – a primary care physician you trust.

We aim to provide a comprehensive, team approach to your primary care. The real value of PartnerMD is our belief that hassle-free primary care is only the foundation of a better healthcare experience.

• When you join PartnerMD you get greater access to a great doctor, but that's just the beginning.
• You get access to the most customizable advanced physicals to help identify hidden vulnerabilities to your health.
• And you get access to certified health coaches who provide expertise and accountability to support a healthy lifestyle.

All that is wrapped up in one membership designed to provide better healthcare for an even better you.

What’s the next step? Talk to a membership expert about joining PartnerMD.

Whether you’re brand new to concierge medicine or a seasoned veteran, we hope you found this information helpful and better understand the differences between PartnerMD and other concierge practices.

Ultimately, we want you to find the right fit for you, and we want to make that process as easy as possible. It might be us. It might not be. And that’s ok.

Want to talk to someone about PartnerMD? Click here and fill out the form. One of our membership experts will reach out soon to answer all your questions.