There is a new term in healthcare called concierge medicine that describes a specific kind of healthcare. Personalized care is provided by concierge doctors, who usually charge a membership fee in addition to regular medical bills. Since patients are looking for more personalized care, this type of practice has become increasingly popular. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of concierge medicine and how it is changing healthcare!
In addition to concierge medicine, concierge care is also referred to as boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, platinum practices, direct primary care, and direct access medicine. Convenience and accessibility are combined with exclusive, individualized care.
With this program, you receive unlimited office and telehealth visits, as well as direct care from a doctor without having to worry about copays or other fees. You also have access to your doctor's direct phone line for medical questions and simple diagnostic tests and blood tests in his or her office. A doctor will coordinate referrals to specialists and/or hospital care if necessary when you have a major health issue. In concierge medicine, only doctors and patients participate, so insurance companies and corporate health systems are not involved.
A concierge doctor can perform everything a primary care physician can do, including administering lab tests and performing physicals. Additionally, they usually offer minor urgent care services, such as stitches and skin treatments. It is important to note, however, that they cannot provide many specialized treatment options or major medical procedures.
A concierge doctor can be of several types, but the services you receive are the same as those provided by a more conventional insurance plan. You may be able to receive the following services from a concierge doctor:
If you have a chronic illness that requires frequent doctor visits and your insurance has a higher deductible than a concierge plan, you might want to consider adding a concierge doctor plan to your existing health care coverage. Particularly if you suffer from a condition that requires frequent physician visits, this can be a problem.
Concierge doctors do provide primary care, but they are not a substitute for medical insurance, especially if you need to see a specialist or have a condition that requires treatment that your concierge doctor cannot provide. Those additional services not covered by your concierge fee will incur additional costs.
If you are considering adding a concierge doctor to your team of healthcare providers, be aware of companies marketing concierge services as low-cost medical insurance services. Make sure you understand what the service covers, and that you can afford it on a monthly or annual basis.
BrightStar Care of Bedford Manchester is here to provide you with the resources and support you need to take care of your loved one. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help. Contact us online or by phone at 603-637-4646 and by visiting us at our location in Bedford: NH601 Riverway Place Bedford, NH 03110.
What is Concierge Medicine?
Physicians who practice concierge medicine provide patients with high-quality, personalized care. For this type of care, patients typically pay an annual fee, which allows physicians to spend more time with each patient. There are many benefits to concierge medicine, including:- Increased access to physicians
- Higher quality of care
- More personal attention
- More comprehensive care
In addition to concierge medicine, concierge care is also referred to as boutique medicine, retainer-based medicine, platinum practices, direct primary care, and direct access medicine. Convenience and accessibility are combined with exclusive, individualized care.
With this program, you receive unlimited office and telehealth visits, as well as direct care from a doctor without having to worry about copays or other fees. You also have access to your doctor's direct phone line for medical questions and simple diagnostic tests and blood tests in his or her office. A doctor will coordinate referrals to specialists and/or hospital care if necessary when you have a major health issue. In concierge medicine, only doctors and patients participate, so insurance companies and corporate health systems are not involved.
Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Primary Care
Several differences exist between concierge medicine and traditional primary care. A concierge practice typically has a smaller patient panel, so patients have more one-on-one time with their doctors. Secondly, concierge doctors typically charge patients a higher monthly retainer fee, which allows them to schedule longer appointments and provide more personalized care. As a final point, many concierge physicians offer additional services, such as house calls and 24/7 availability, which are not usually available in traditional primary care settings. Ultimately, concierge medicine provides more personalized care at a higher cost than traditional primary care.What is the role of a concierge doctor?
Concierge doctors also provide direct access to patients in addition to providing personalized care. As well as limiting the amount of paperwork associated with insurance payouts, physicians often opt to establish their own practices to limit the number of patients they are responsible for.A concierge doctor can perform everything a primary care physician can do, including administering lab tests and performing physicals. Additionally, they usually offer minor urgent care services, such as stitches and skin treatments. It is important to note, however, that they cannot provide many specialized treatment options or major medical procedures.
Benefits of Seeing a Concierge Doctor
Concierge medicine offers certain benefits that you won't find with a primary care physician in your insurance network.- More personalized care - The smaller patient load of concierge doctors allows them to provide more personalized care. The doctor takes the time to get to know his or her patients and their medical histories, as well as providing undivided attention during appointments.
- Greater access to the doctor - It is more convenient for concierge doctors to offer flexible appointment times because they typically have fewer patients. Furthermore, they are often available for phone consultations after hours.
- Enhanced communication - In most cases, concierge doctors keep detailed medical records for their patients and are willing to share that information with other healthcare providers as needed. Additionally, they explain complex medical information in a way that patients can understand.
- Improved continuity of care - Concierge doctors are physicians who are familiar with your health history and are able to provide continuity of care across different settings (e.g., hospital, clinic, home).
- Increased convenience - You won't have to worry about making appointments months in advance or waiting for long periods to see your doctor with a concierge doctor. Additionally, many concierge practices offer on-site diagnostic testing and other services to save you time and hassle.
What to expect from a concierge doctor
A concierge doctor can be of several types, but the services you receive are the same as those provided by a more conventional insurance plan. You may be able to receive the following services from a concierge doctor:
- Blood tests
- Annual physicals
- Lab work
- Preventive screenings
If you have a chronic illness that requires frequent doctor visits and your insurance has a higher deductible than a concierge plan, you might want to consider adding a concierge doctor plan to your existing health care coverage. Particularly if you suffer from a condition that requires frequent physician visits, this can be a problem.
Concierge doctors do provide primary care, but they are not a substitute for medical insurance, especially if you need to see a specialist or have a condition that requires treatment that your concierge doctor cannot provide. Those additional services not covered by your concierge fee will incur additional costs.
If you are considering adding a concierge doctor to your team of healthcare providers, be aware of companies marketing concierge services as low-cost medical insurance services. Make sure you understand what the service covers, and that you can afford it on a monthly or annual basis.
