Is Concierge Medicine Worth It?

You’re exploring a switch to concierge medicine. Maybe you’re dissatisfied with the traditional primary experience – the waiting, the struggle to get an appointment, the impersonal relationship.

Or maybe you or someone you love recently experienced a scare that has you making your health a priority. There are a number of reasons why you might be interested in concierge medicine.

You also understand that concierge medicine comes with an upfront membership fee. It requires an investment on your part.

So before you make that investment, it’s natural to ask…is concierge medicine worth it?

What is the cost of concierge medicine?

The average cost of concierge medicine is usually somewhere between $2,000-$3,500 per year.

At PartnerMD, our membership fee is $2,500 per year or $208.33 per month. We have a transparent cost calculator on our website where you can find out how much your membership might cost.

You have probably heard about some concierge doctors who charge much more – up to $25,000 per year even. However, we’d call that VIP medicine or luxury medicine.

So, what do you get for the cost of your concierge medicine membership?

If you’re going to make that investment, you also want to know what you’re getting out of it.

Most concierge medicine practices guarantee a few standard services, including:

• Same-day or next-day appointments for acute care
• Little to no waiting in the waiting room or exam room
• 24/7 access to care
• Longer appointments, often 30 minutes
• Advanced physicals that go beyond what you’re used to

Some practices will also offer additional services. For instance, at PartnerMD, we offer access to our on-staff certified health coaches and wellness programs included in your membership, as well as coordination of specialist care and three options for a cutting-edge annual physical.

At almost all concierge practices, you’re paying for enhanced access to a primary care physician who truly knows you. You’re paying for the peace of mind that comes from knowing that when you or your loved ones need care, you’ll be able to get it quickly.

At some concierge practices, you’re also paying for access to the tools required to help you live your best life, achieve your health goals, and prevent illness, not just treat it.

So, is concierge medicine worth it?

The big question. For many people, yes. That’s why the model has grown in the last 20+ years from just two concierge medicine physicians to more than 12,000 throughout the United States, according to Concierge Medicine Today.

It can be most beneficial for several groups of people:

• High achievers who enjoy the individualized care concierge medicine offers.
• Individuals with complex existing health issues that require attentive care.
• Adults managing the healthcare of aging parents and in-laws
• Busy moms juggling a job, raising a family, and trying to keep everyone’s health on the right track.
• Busy professionals who can’t afford to plan work around their primary care.
• College-aged children could benefit from having a physician they trust just one phone call away, no matter where they are.

Whether you value the individualized care that helps you maintain peak performance, the peace of mind from knowing your loved ones have access to the care they need, the ease of scheduling appointments and how that frees up your busy schedule, or something else, investing in concierge medicine can certainly be worth it.

When is concierge medicine not worth it?

Who isn’t a good fit for concierge medicine?

If you’re someone who isn’t going to utilize the service, it may not be for you. We call this re-learning how to use your doctor. For years, going to the doctor has been a struggle, a chore. It was something you actively sought to avoid.

But with concierge medicine, your doctor wants to hear from you and is available to answer your questions. If you don’t take advantage of that, you won’t get the full value of your investment.

It also might not be a good fit for people who still won’t trust their doctor. You have more time with your physician than you’ve ever had. But that time can only be used effectively if you provide enough information about your life and your health.

If you’re not willing to tell your physician everything – the good and the bad – then you’re shortchanging the value they can provide for your long-term health and well-being.

And finally, you won’t see the value of concierge medicine if you aren’t willing to work on your health. Going to see your physician is no longer a hassle with concierge medicine. And when you’re there, you have plenty of time with them.

But if you leave the office and discard what they suggest? Then you’re not taking advantage of what you’re paying for – the attentive, personalized care a concierge doctor has the time to offer.

Exploring Concierge Medicine: Next Steps

If you’re ready to learn even more about concierge medicine, we’re ready to help. We’ve put together an in-depth guide that explains everything you need to know about this model. Download your free guide to Understanding Concierge Medicine today.