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What is concierge medicine?

Explore our comprehensive guide to concierge medicine and learn if it's right for you. 

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So, what exactly is concierge medicine?

We've answered this question for thousands of patients since our founding in 2003. Here's the answer: 

  • Concierge medicine, sometimes known as membership medicine, is an alternative to the traditional primary care model.
  • Patients pay a membership fee to be a part of the practice. This allows their doctor to see fewer patients, spend more time with each individual, and deliver a much better experience. 
  • Most concierge practices guarantee 30-minute appointments (at least), same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 access to care, and little to no waiting in the lobby.

At its heart, concierge medicine is about building a stronger personal relationship between you and your physician.

On the rest of this page, we'll explain everything you need to know about concierge medicine. You can also use the form to download a copy of our Understanding Concierge Medicine Guide to read on your own time.

No time to read this right now? Download the PDF.

So, what exactly is concierge medicine?

We've answered this question for thousands of patients since our founding in 2003. Here's the answer: 

  • Concierge medicine, sometimes known as membership medicine, is an alternative to the traditional primary care model.
  • Patients pay a membership fee to be a part of the practice. This allows their doctor to see fewer patients, spend more time with each individual, and deliver a much better experience. 
  • Most concierge practices guarantee 30-minute appointments (at least), same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 access to care, and little to no waiting in the lobby.

At its heart, concierge medicine is about building a stronger personal relationship between you and your physician.

On the rest of this page, we'll explain everything you need to know about concierge medicine. You can also use the form to download a copy of our Understanding Concierge Medicine Guide to read on your own time.

How does concierge medicine work?

The goal of a concierge medicine practice is to provide the best care and experience possible for every patient. Here's how it works.

  • Patients are responsible for an out-of-pocket membership fee. This can be paid in various ways, but it is most commonly paid monthly or annually.
  • Concierge doctors dramatically reduce the number of patients they see — from 20+ per day to 6-10 per day. 
  • This allows concierge doctors to guarantee certain aspects of the patient experience, including longer appointments, same-day or next scheduling, 24/7 access to care, and more.

For you, this means a better relationship with a physician who actually knows who you are, who has the time to answer all of your questions, and who can deliver the personalized care you deserve. 

What's the difference between traditional primary care and concierge medicine?

You’re probably wondering…ok, so what’s the difference from the traditional primary care that we all grew up with? And it’s a good question.

First, it’s important to understand the difference is not in the quality of the doctor.

Within both traditional and concierge practices, you’ll find capable doctors who strive to provide the best possible care to their patients.

The big difference is the environment in which the primary care physician practices. See this chart for a comparison of the big differences. 

What is included in a concierge medicine membership?

What's included in a concierge medicine membership varies from practice to practice.

At almost every concierge medicine practice, you should expect the following things to be included in your membership:

  • Longer appointments with your physician (at least 30 minutes)
  • Guaranteed same-day or next-day appointments for acute care 
  • Little to no waiting in the lobby before your appointment or in the exam room during your appointment
  • Some form of 24/7 access to care 

These are standard across almost every concierge medicine practice. There are some practices that include additional perks and services, such as:

What is the cost of concierge medicine?

Since its launch in 1996, the cost of concierge medicine has come down significantly. The first concierge medicine practice cost $20,000 per year. 

Our research has shown that annual fees for concierge medicine membership now tend to fall between $2,000 and $5,000 per year. Here are a few prices from concierge practices we've found online, including ours:

  • Dallas Health Partners: $1,500-$5,000
  • MDVIP (All Markets): $1,800-$3,000
  • PartnerMD (VA, MD, SC, GA): $2,300-$2,500
  • INOVA VIP 360 (Northern Virginia): $2,200

Yes, you will continue to hear about outliers, like the so-called “elite” practice that costs $20,000 or more a year, but we tend to call that VIP medicine or luxury medicine. Most concierge practices cost considerably less.

How does insurance work with concierge medicine?

Most concierge medicine practices work with health insurance the same way a traditional practice would. Here are a few things to know about health insurance and concierge medicine.

  • Health insurance does not cover the membership fee. 
  • Your health insurance is billed for medical care, including office visits, lab work, and tests.
  • You are responsible for co-pays/deductibles, but your health insurance covers the costs of approved services/procedures, just as it would if you were seeing a traditional PCP.
  • Some concierge practices accept fewer carriers than traditional practices, and some may not accept Medicare or TRICARE. 
  • If you're exploring a concierge medicine practice that does not accept insurance at all, it might be better described as direct primary care

Be sure to double-check that a concierge office works with your specific carrier. See if they take government plans, like Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare, that you might use now or in the future.

What are the pros and cons of concierge medicine?

As a concierge medicine practice, we're obviously big believers in concierge care. 

However, we also want to talk honestly about its pros as well as its cons, so you're sure you're making the right decision for you.

Check out this infographic for a summary and read our blog on The Pros and Cons of Concierge Medicine for Patients for more information.  

"I am extremely satisfied with the exceptional, efficient, and timely patient care I am receiving. The always personable, individualized care, availability, and responsiveness, along with smiling faces, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency when needed is outstanding...I would never leave this valuable asset that is in partnership with me to improve and maintain my health and quality of life." - J.E.S., Concierge Medicine Patient

Why do patients switch to concierge medicine?

Over our 20 years in concierge medicine, we've talked to thousands of patients about why they are looking to switch. Here are the top five reasons we hear the most

  1. High achievers like concierge medicine. If you want a proactive outlook from your physician, then you’re fitting in with many who choose concierge care.
  2. An existing condition requires attentive care. If you have a condition that necessitates a doctor’s in-depth attention, then 7-minute medicine is likely driving you crazy, bankrupt, or both. 
  3. A medical scare makes health an instant priority. Plenty of people choose concierge care after a jarring experience that makes them re-examine their decisions, including their healthcare.
  4. Tired of waiting for appointments or in a lobby. If you're tired of waiting days or weeks to get an appointment and then waiting again in the lobby or the exam room, then concierge medicine is a fit for you. 
  5. Peace of mind for themselves or their loved ones (or both). You know you, or your loved ones, will get the care they need, when they need it, whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night.

Why do doctors switch to concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine doesn't provide a better experience for just patients. It provides a better experience for primary care physicians, too. Here are the top reasons we hear from physicians about why they switch. 

  1. They want to practice medicine the way they envisioned coming out of medical school. One thing we  hear about from traditional PCPs is their “fear of missing something.” They feel so rushed that they’re no longer confident they’re delivering the best care possible.
  2. They're tired of running a traditional primary care business. At some point, doctors just want to be doctors. They want someone else to run the business so that they can focus on providing medical care.
  3. They are burned out. Traditional primary care doctors see 20+ patients all day, every day. They spend time on their lunch break and “after hours” returning calls, catching up, and preparing for the next day.

Concierge medicine allows physicians to slow down, spend more time with fewer patients, and be the kind of doctor they want to be for every patient. 

“A concierge medicine model gives physicians more time with their patients. This is so important to me because I went into family practice so I could treat my patients like family. And I never rush family.”

Dr. Mark Petrizzi, PartnerMD Short Pump

How can you find a concierge doctor near you?

We've helped patients find the right concierge doctor for their situation for more than 20 years. Here are four ways you can find a concierge doctor near you

  1. Google "concierge doctor near me." Yes, a simple Google search works for this, too. Simply type "concierge doctor near me" and see what appears.
  2. Use your network. Ask your family, neighbors, colleagues, etc. With the increasing popularity of concierge medicine, you likely know someone who has a concierge doctor they love.
  3. Ask your specialists. They might have recommendations based on their experience in the healthcare community and their understanding of how concierge care can fit into your overall health plan.
  4. Search doctor directory websites, including your insurance provider. Websites like WebMD, HealthGrades, and even your insurance provider can give you a good list to start with. 

Whether you live near one of PartnerMD's offices in Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, or Georgia or not, we sincerely hope you find the care you're looking for. 

Do you live near a PartnerMD office? We'd love to talk to you.

A membership at PartnerMD provides unrivaled access to a physician who understands you and your health, all without the hassles of traditional primary care.

If you live near one of our offices, we'd love to talk to you about your health needs. Complete this form and one of our membership experts will reach out via phone or email within two business days. 

Here are three things you can expect during your first call. 

  1. We will answer all of your questions about concierge medicine and PartnerMD. 
  2. We will provide a full accounting of the cost of your membership and how payments work. 
  3. If necessary, we will help you schedule a free meet-and-greet with your potential new physician so you can get to know them more before you officially decide. 

Do you live near a PartnerMD office? We'd love to talk to you.

A membership at PartnerMD provides unrivaled access to a physician who understands you and your health, all without the hassles of traditional primary care.

If you live near one of our offices, we'd love to talk to you about your health needs. Complete this form and one of our membership experts will reach out via phone or email within two business days. 

Here are three things you can expect during your first call. 

  1. We will answer all of your questions about concierge medicine and PartnerMD. 
  2. We will provide a full accounting of the cost of your membership and how payments work. 
  3. If necessary, we will help you schedule a free meet-and-greet with your potential new physician so you can get to know them more before you officially decide.