What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge Medicine is a medical practice with a small number of qualified physicians and a small clientele. Physicians spend more time with patients to get a good understanding of all medical issues. Patients can contact their physician at personal phone numbers after hours. These services are offered for monthly, bi-annual or annual fees.
Benefits of Concierge Medicine
One benefit of Concierge Medicine is that patients have more frequent and detailed conversations with their physician. They also have greater access to their physician. This is particularly helpful for elderly patients. For example, an elderly patient I know suddenly had trouble walking and felt very fatigued. Her son did preliminary tests to see if she had experienced a stroke. It appeared that she had not. He contacted her concierge doctor and the doctor saw her the same day. The doctor ordered lab work. The labs showed a kidney infection. During the office visit, the doctor provided IV fluids, provided an IV antibiotic and prescribed antibiotics for use at home.
During these uncertain times of COVID, the elderly patient did not have to brave Urgent Care or the Emergency Room. She was able to heal at home.
What are the Costs of Concierge Medicine?
The cost of Concierge Medicine varies from state to state and from office to office. The range I have seen is between $2500 and $5000 per year. But I bet there are services for under $2500 and above $5000 annually.
How to Find a Concierge Doctor
You can start with a simple search for Concierge Doctors near me. Next, make sure the physician you are considering is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Also, make sure he/she is affiliated with a major hospital that is highly rated. Lastly, if you are over 65 make sure the physician you choose has earned a specialty in geriatrics.