Modern health care can be incredibly aggravating. First you wait weeks — sometimes months — for an appointment. Then you sit in the waiting room. Staff members run you through a stack of questions. Finally you get a brisk 10-minute encounter with the doctor before they hurry on to their next patient. That’s increasingly the norm these days.
Imagine being able to contact your primary care physician whenever you need to, or even send a quick text with a question. Picture scheduling same-day or next-day visits. Picture a doctor who actually knows your medical history intimately instead of skimming your chart moments before you meet.
That’s the attraction of “concierge medicine,” also known as “boutique medicine,” “retainer medicine” or “direct primary care.” For a monthly or yearly membership, you can enjoy a more convenient, personalized health care experience than most patients receive.
And demand for it is surging. In 2015, roughly 275 concierge practices operated in the U.S. By 2018, that number approached 900. Today there are over 2,000, according to DPCFrontier.com, a resource for physicians opening these kinds of practices.
Is concierge medicine worth the expense? It depends on a few things — the biggest being whether you can afford it.
What Does Concierge Care Cost?
How much will you pay? It varies widely based on your region and the level of service.
We checked with one of the largest concierge networks, MDVIP, which represents about 1,100 physicians nationwide.
“Patient fees for concierge practices can vary significantly, but MDVIP has established a benchmark with membership fees averaging between $1,800 and $2,200 per year,” said associate medical director Dr. Alan Reisinger III. That works out to about $150–$183 per month.
Other providers report an even broader span of prices.
“There’s actually quite a spectrum in concierge membership costs, ranging from $1,200 up to $10,000 annually,” says Partner MD, a group of eight concierge clinics across Virginia, Maryland, Georgia and South Carolina. “Average concierge costs typically fall between $1,500 and $3,000 per year.”
That average equates to about $125–$250 per month. Some practices permit monthly or quarterly payments instead of a lump-sum annual charge.
And then there’s the top tier aimed at affluent patients — sometimes pejoratively called “wealth care.”
Will You Still Need Health Insurance?
It’s crucial to understand that concierge memberships don’t replace health insurance. Many concierge clinics still bill your insurer in addition to charging a membership fee.
“You should know that you’ll still need to carry traditional insurance,” AARP notes. “Insurance is necessary if you require emergency care or need to see specialists for conditions like heart disease.”
Because a concierge membership usually covers routine care, some people opt for a lower-premium, higher-deductible insurance plan to reduce overall costs.
What’s the Difference?
Here’s what sets concierge care apart: Concierge physicians manage far fewer patients, so they can offer more time and attention to each person.
“More patients are choosing this model because they’re tired of long waits, rushed appointments and impersonal care that’s become commonplace,” said Reisinger, who moved into concierge practice after growing frustrated with what he described as “conveyor-belt medicine.”
In conventional practices, the average patient waits 26 days for a primary care appointment, Medical Economics found. In some regions, waits average 44 days.
When you finally arrive at the office, you often wait longer. A Vitals study reported that patients sit for an average of 18 minutes before seeing the doctor, and about 30% of people have abandoned an appointment because of excessive waiting.
And the actual visit can be brief.
“Typical primary care visits today last only about 15 minutes, occurring roughly 1.6 times per year on average,” Consumer Reports explains. By contrast, concierge physicians average about 35 minutes per appointment, with patients visiting around four times annually, according to a University of Wisconsin brief.
“I came to concierge practice to provide medicine the way I’d want my own family treated,” said Dr. Natasha Agbai, a concierge pediatrician in San Francisco.
“Carrying out newborn visits at a family’s home is deeply satisfying as a pediatrician. It enables me to deliver care in a cozy, familiar setting, away from the distractions and potential infections of a busy waiting room packed with sick kids.”
What Kind of Patient Benefits Most?
Again, it varies by perspective.
Consumer Reports recommends concierge care primarily for people with chronic illnesses that require frequent primary care attention.
AARP points out that patients aged 50 and above make up a large portion of concierge clientele.
Still, concierge physicians say they treat a broad spectrum of patients.
“We care for individuals across all ages — from younger adults focused on wellness, to those approaching middle age wanting to prevent disease and extend healthy years, to older patients who need more time and attention managing chronic conditions,” Reisinger said.
(Affordability remains a limiter. Not everyone can justify paying $150–$250 monthly in addition to insurance premiums.)
‘Concierge Medicine’ vs. ‘Direct Primary Care’
This distinction can be a bit muddled.
Some providers use “concierge medicine” and “direct primary care” interchangeably. To them, the labels describe the same model.
Others draw a line between the two. The American Academy of Family Physicians summarizes the difference like this:
Direct primary care: These physicians typically don’t accept insurance and depend solely on patient fees. They commonly charge monthly rates rather than an annual fee.
Concierge medicine: These doctors are more likely to bill your insurance in addition to charging membership dues. They often charge annual fees and frequently serve wealthier populations.
If you have the means, concierge care is worth exploring. Research indicates concierge patients receive more preventive care and have fewer hospitalizations, emergency room visits and urgent care trips.
“I can give my patients meaningful time, which helps me grasp their issues more fully and deliver more effective care,” said Dr. Rosmy Barrios, senior medical adviser for the Health Reporter site. “When my patients need assistance, they can simply call me.”
Additionally, if you prefer a more tailored experience when shopping for lifestyle or wardrobe items tied to wellness visits or events, consider consulting a personal shopper to streamline your choices.
Alex Mercer (alex.mercer@example.com) is a senior writer at Savinly.
