Concierge Care, also called boutique medicine, is quickly gaining traction in the ever-changing healthcare system. This type of care is membership-based healthcare that provides highly personalized and comprehensive care, more physician accessibility, and greater convenience. It is no wonder why this type of practiced medicine is becoming increasingly popular.
Although there are differences, many plans – for an annual or monthly fee – include unlimited virtual and in-person appointments, diagnostic tests performed in the office, and coordination of specialist referrals or hospital care. Most services do not bill insurance, so there’s no interference, and you don’t have to worry about copays and other charges.
The History of Concierge Medicine
Dr. Howard Maron and Dr. Scott Hall established the first concierge medical practice, MD2, in Seattle in 1996. They charged an annual retainer fee between $13,200 and $20,000 per family. In 2000, Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle began offering concierge medical services within its facilities. The organization used some of the profits from those five practices to subsidize other programs and indigent care services.
In 2001, the American Medical Association added concierge guidelines, or “retainer practices,” to its Code of Medical Ethics. Among the stipulations is that physicians must help transfer care for patients who don’t want to participate in a retainer practice. If that’s not possible, they must continue to provide care under the terms of the patient’s existing healthcare insurance until they can make other arrangements for ongoing care.
Why is Concierge Care Gaining Traction?
Today, there is increasing cynicism and downright annoyance in traditional healthcare. Concierge Care allows the patient to take back control of their healthcare while establishing a closer bond with their physicians. In 2023, the North American concierge medicine market was worth $6.25 billion. The United States concierge medicine market is expected to reach $30.26 billion by 2031.
Among the most popular reasons patients leave their current doctors in search of a concierge physician are:
- More convenience and shorter waits (25%)
- Their current physicians ask them less than five questions (21%)
- They feel like a number (18%)
- Their current doctor is retiring or closing their practice (11%)
- Their provider spends less than 15 minutes with them per visit (11%)
Benefits of Concierge Care
Longer Visits
One of the biggest perks of Concierge Care is the length of time a doctor spends with their patients. Traditional primary care physicians may have up to 4,000 patients and see up to 40 a day for only about 15 minutes.
Concierge doctors usually have no more than 600 patients. They typically see only six to 10 patients daily and spend at least 30 minutes with each.
Of course, there are many advantages to these longer appointments. Patients don’t feel rushed and can ask as many questions as they want. A more leisurely pace allows physicians to discuss lab results thoroughly. It also allows them to delve deeper into a patient’s medical history, understand what matters to them, and offer patient education and advice. The result is that the physician has a greater understanding of their patient’s holistic health, including their state of mind. The result is a more personalized, comprehensive care plan.
The extra time also helps the provider and patient forge a deeper human connection, which has benefits. When healthcare professionals take time to make human connections, patient outcomes improve, and medical costs decrease. Trust increases. Patients who trust their physicians are likelier to disclose personal information, comply with medication instructions, and feel less anxious about treatments.
Greater Access
Many concierge physicians respond directly to emails and provide their personal cell phone numbers to patients. Instead of waiting weeks for an appointment, most concierge practices guarantee same-day or next-day appointments and virtually no waiting time at the office. Some concierge practices even offer house calls. This can be crucial if a patient has vague symptoms and isn’t sure if medical care is necessary, helping them avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency room visits.
Holistic Care and Spa-like Ambiance
Many concierge physician practices include holistic health offerings such as infrared spas, cupping, acupuncture, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These offerings provide a one-stop shop for wellness enthusiasts who want to incorporate alternative therapies into their care plans.
Because patients are paying a premium, many concierge doctors strive for a less sterile environment, instead creating a spa-like ambiance with luxury amenities such as fluffy robes and soft slippers waiting in a private room, and noise-canceling headphones.
Because patients can see their doctor with ease, patients are both happier and less anxious. Already, Concierge Care is exploding – it will be the future.
