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Many physicians we talk to about concierge medicine physician jobs get concierge medicine and direct pay primary care confused. That’s not surprising. It is confusing.
They are different models of primary care and use two different methods to be reimbursed for care.
Concierge medicine involves the practice of adding a membership fee to more traditional insurance reimbursements so that its doctors can provide relationship-based care — with longer appointment times, same-day access, etc.
Direct pay works entirely outside of the health insurance model to get cash (or credit) reimbursement directly from the patient at the time of service. But direct pay practices don’t necessarily see fewer patients each day or spend more time with them.
Some concierge medicine practices are affiliated with a larger hospital system or franchise network. Some are independently owned and operated by the physician(s). PartnerMD is a subsidiary of Fortune 500 insurance company Markel, and our physicians are employees of the business.
There are several differences between each, but most concierge practices are similar in a few ways.
Reduced patient panel. Sizes vary but usually 400-600.
Reduced appointments per day. Usually 6-10.
Longer appointments, usually at least 30 minutes.
Charge patients an annual membership fee between $1,000-$4,000. Anything higher we'd consider VIP Medicine or Luxury Medicine.
Offer the standards of concierge medicine to patients — same-day or next-day scheduling, 24/7 access to care, little to no waiting, and longer appointments.
Accept health insurance and Medicare. Remember, direct pay practices do not accept any health insurance.
