The Benefits of Concierge Medicine: Personalized Healthcare at Your Doorstep
It’s not a new or novel idea. In fact, though I didn’t realize it, I was practicing elements of concierge medicine since I was a medical student. I traveled to Nicaragua to learn medical Spanish and lived with a physician’s family. In the evenings, we would take to the road to visit patients who couldn’t make it into the clinic. I remember placing an IV (a small catheter into the vein) and injecting furosemide (a diuretic to help patients suffering from too much water in their lungs from congestive heart failure) and then doubling back around to check on her again later in the evening. It was incredible!
Accessibility and Personalization
In today's fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity and healthcare can often feel impersonal, concierge medicine offers a refreshing alternative: personalized healthcare delivered right to your doorstep. Imagine having a dedicated physician who knows you by name, understands your unique health needs, and is just a phone call away whenever you need them. This is the essence of concierge medicine – a model of care that prioritizes quality, convenience, and patient satisfaction [1]. It’s something I’ve always wanted for my family. Why not provide it for my community?
At its core, concierge medicine revolves around the concept of accessibility. Unlike traditional healthcare practices where the physician is forced to expand their patient panel beyond reach (2), and where patients may face long wait times for appointments all for brief, rushed interactions with their doctors, concierge medicine ensures that patients receive the time and attention they deserve. With concierge medicine, because patient panel size is limited, appointments are typically longer, allowing for thorough discussions of health concerns, comprehensive evaluations, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs.
How Ascend Wellness MD is different
My practice is a little different. It’s a hybrid between direct primary care (DPC) or direct specialty care and concierge practices that take insurance. Insurance companies have for years robbed physicians and patients of the most important commodity of all: Time. Time removed from direct patient care to be spent instead on documentation. “Write these words, not those” they say. Not because it improves communication between physicians and patients, but because it allows a different exchange of money in reimbursements. Time robbed from the patient-physician relationship to complete prior authorizations that limit care already deemed to be necessary by the physician and patients. Because I don’t take insurance and the monthly membership fee covers all the communication and advice, the care is simplified. A transparent fee schedule covers extra services and products that the patient can access without insurance companies dictating the care plan. Let’s simplify things and get back to the core relationship that was at the heart of it all: the physician-patient relationship and shared decision making.
Convenient and not restricted to clinic hours
Another advantage of concierge medicine is the convenience it offers. In today's hectic world, finding time to prioritize one's health can be a challenge. However, concierge medicine removes many of the barriers to accessing care by offering flexible scheduling, same-day appointments, and even house calls when necessary. Whether you're a busy professional juggling work and family commitments or an elderly individual with mobility limitations, concierge medicine ensures that healthcare fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Moreover, concierge medicine emphasizes preventive care and wellness promotion, rather than just treating illness. With regular check-ups, screenings, and proactive health management, concierge physicians work proactively to identify and address potential health risks before they escalate into more serious conditions. This proactive approach not only improves health outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs in the long run by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and complications.
Concierge medicine offers a unique and valuable approach to healthcare that prioritizes the individual needs and preferences of patients. By providing personalized care, convenience, proactive health management, and peace of mind, concierge medicine empowers patients to take control of their health and well-being. So why settle for impersonal, one-size-fits-all healthcare when you can experience the benefits of concierge medicine – personalized healthcare at your doorstep? I for one, am super excited for the future of medicine!
References:
Paul, David P. III DDS, PhD; Skiba, Michaeline EdD. Concierge Medicine: A Viable Business Model for (Some) Physicians of the Future?. The Health Care Manager 35(1):p 3-8, January/March 2016. | DOI: 10.1097/HCM.0000000000000088
Murray M, Davies M, Boushon B. Panel size: how many patients can one doctor manage? Fam Pract Manag. 2007 Apr;14(4):44-51. PMID: 17458336.