What is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine means expedited, higher-quality care. In the past decade insurance companies have continually lowered their re-imbursement rates forcing doctors to either see more patients per day or seek alternative income methods. Concierge medicine has been the answer to the insurance re-imbursement problem for many practices.

Here's a brief description from a concierge medicine practice called EliteHealth:

EliteHealth redefines the concept of Concierge Medicine. In addition to having 24-hour access to your personal physician via cell phone and email, in urgent care situations your doctor will come to your home to treat you or meet you at the Emergency Room to expedite your care. You will receive priority appointments—even same-day, if necessary—and enjoy a private lounge with high-speed internet. Interactive VIP examining rooms allow you and your physician to instantaneously review the results of your diagnostic and lab tests. In addition to a comprehensive annual physical and unlimited visits with your primary care physician, your membership entitles you to consultations with on-staff specialists, an individualized nutrition plan, as well as a full spectrum of diagnostic and laboratory testing---all under one roof.

As a Concierge Plan member, you will be assigned a Patient Care Concierge who will manage all aspects of your EliteHealth experience, from transportation and accommodations if you are coming from out of town to medical evacuation if you experience a health emergency while traveling. Your Patient Care Concierge will also book appointments with outside specialists, if necessary, and coordinate communication among the various members of your health team.

What is the future of Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine will likely grow at a very rapid pace if insurance companies do not increase their re-imbursement rates dramatically. Patients will find that even their primary care physician might start offering concierge level care for an extra fee.