topic Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice? in Wellness

Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

JasoninBoston — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 21:54:22 GMT

I was enrolled in a concierge medical practice for about 5 years. Two years ago a friend convinced me to unenroll--largely due to the high fees involved. I am now thinking of going back!! Yes, it's a lot more and the enrollment fee isn't covered by insurance--but I do feel you're treated so much better.

I am curious what others have experienced and if you've felt it worth it to pay extra fees to be in one of these kinds of programs. Thanks everyone

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

Abrowneyegirl — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:04:01 GMT

I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.

Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.

When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.

The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.

We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.

When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.

Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

kaydee50 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:06:12 GMT

The doctor I went to joined a concierge practice. I think if you have serious health problems and need to see a doctor regularly or on short notice or can easily afford it, do it. I chose another doctor.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

terrier3 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:08:13 GMT

The best medical experience I ever had was when I worked in Rochester NY and was enrolled in Strong Hospital's program.

The doctors were all also professors at the U of R Medical School. They were salaried and put their patients above big bucks.

They had an e-link between doctors way before most of the country.

I had a difficult case to diagnose. My internist and my OB-GYN had lunch with a researcher...after a series of tests, they determined I had a rare type of Von Willebrand's Disease.

Their hard work and refusal to give up completely changed my life. They had a huge network of specialists that they interacted with daily.

I prefer that (similar to the Cleveland Clinic or Mayo) over a concierge doctor. Concierge doctors tend to work for and by themselves...not in a clinic setting.

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

winamac1 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:08:29 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.

What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensive they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

terrier3 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:12:18 GMT

@winamac1 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.
What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensive they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA

The Strong Hospital Clinics had all of the above. It's the way an individual practice is run that makes the difference, IMO...not the amount of money they charge.

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

JasoninBoston — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:13:01 GMT

@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.

Thank you for your post! I am tending to agree you. The friend who convinced me to quit is super cheap with her money and to me it's worth it to pay a bit more (or a lot more in the case of the practice that I was in).

Thanks again for sharing your perspective

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

Stray — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:13:48 GMT

My doctor turned to concierge medicine in 2013. She was/is a fabulous doctor and I had a great relationship with her; just quality and first rate care. I finished out the contract but started when I worked in NYC but retired in 2013 and live in NJ. When I first entered the contract, she tried to dissuade me because it just wasn't feasible or ethical for me to remain enrolled in the event of an emergency as she is not affiliated with my local hospital. But, she agreed because I was in the middle of a medical issue and all the consultants were at her hospital or nearby to her.

Well, I have not found another doctor who I like and trust as much as her. I also miss the speed with which you receive care within the concierge practice, the knowledge the doctor has about you/medical history, thus, less chance of error or oversight and the familiarity with your concierge physician just relieves the anxiety and tension when you are ill. I also feel consultations/referrals were set up much faster because of the personal attention. My husband had a very serious illness this year and tho he received good care, I would have killed to have my former doctor handling his case...

if you liked your doctor and can afford the concierge practice, stick with him/her.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

JasoninBoston — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:14:56 GMT

@terrier3 wrote:
The best medical experience I ever had was when I worked in Rochester NY and was enrolled in Strong Hospital's program.
The doctors were all also professors at the U of R Medical School. They were salaried and put their patients above big bucks.
They had an e-link between doctors way before most of the country.
I had a difficult case to diagnose. My internist and my OB-GYN had lunch with a researcher...after a series of tests, they determined I had a rare type of Von Willebrand's Disease.
Their hard work and refusal to give up completely changed my life. They had a huge network of specialists that they interacted with daily.
I prefer that (similar to the Cleveland Clinic or Mayo) over a concierge doctor. Concierge doctors tend to work for and by themselves...not in a clinic setting.

thank you for your response. I am strongly inclined to go back to the clinic that I was in previously..... thanks again!

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

JasoninBoston — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:16:55 GMT

@winamac1 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.
What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensive they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA

The one I was in for 5 years is between $2,000 and $3,000 per year.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

Mz iMac — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:18:16 GMT

Concierge medical services are well worth the price if you are "sickly" and/or frequent doctors for one reason or another. Not worth the expense for those of us who are healthy and/or rarely see a doctor.

I live in a senior community. There are 2 concierge medical clinics in my town. From what I see in my community, they are doing a bang up business. According to their snail mail flyers, there are several types of packages you can choose from.

All the pharmacies including CVS & Walgreens have FREE rx delivery services in my town. This service is not advertised. You have to request same & be put on their "rx delivery list." The things you learn when living in a 55+ community.

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

terrier3 — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 22:48:32 GMT

@JasoninBoston wrote:
@winamac1 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.
What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensive they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA
The one I was in for 5 years is between $2,000 and $3,000 per year.

PLUS you have to still have health insurance on top of that extra cost.

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

winamac1 — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 16:58:15 GMT

@JasoninBoston wrote:
@winamac1 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.
What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensive they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA
The one I was in for 5 years is between $2,000 and $3,000 per year.

Thanks for your information. I need to check this out. I'm interested in this type of service.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

hckynut — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:42:18 GMT

(thread title)

@JasoninBoston

Nope. Don't have money to waste, nor do I need a high paid doctor. Like other things in life, more money paid does not mean you get better quality, in anything.

Being on Medicare and a Secondary from my retirement plan, and I see every doctor of my choice. Just fine with me.

Hey, if you got the $$$, you have a choice. Many ladies do not have that financial luxury.

hckynut(john)

Re: Does anyone cureently in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

JasoninBoston — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 19:56:07 GMT

@winamac1 wrote:
@JasoninBoston wrote:
@winamac1 wrote:
@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
I (we) do and I think it is well worth it.
Our Dr limits the practice to 400 people.
When I call in the MD or one the nurses (all BS RN's) they know me by name and we know them on a first name basis.
The fact that we can call and talk, email, or text our doctor 24 hours a day is a huge bonus.
We get appointments usually within 24 hours. Usually same day.
When we need to see a specialist they the RN or the MD does it with us right then and there and we get in with the specialist ASAP no several week wait to see a derm.
Our practice also has a dietitian and a psychologist on staff as part of the healthy body and mind philosophy.

Health is wealth and for us it is worth the $$$.
What is the average price for these? I am curious as to how expensi they are? I don't know of many in my area, but there have to be some. TIA
The one I was in for 5 years is between $2,000 and $3,000 per year.
Thanks for your information. I need to check this out. I'm interested in this type of service.

Depending on where you live it may be much less. Boston is super expensive for everything.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

SeaMaiden — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 20:39:57 GMT

There was an internist I went to for my pre surgery blood tests and physicals that I really liked..... To see him as my own doctor would cost me $1000 a year. I might consider it......

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

millieshops — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 20:55:44 GMT

I doubt this is in any way a one-way-fits-all decision.

Where I lived for the past 60 years I know a variety of doctors and lots of people who also as we've aged have met with plenty of doctors of all sorts. I don't feel the need for a concierge here - at least not while I'm relatively healthy and in control of my thoughts.

I also benefit from the fact that my primary care doctor now belongs to a larger system and when he makes a recommendation and I accept his choice, I know that doctor is also going to have immediate access to all my records, tests, etc. That makes co-ordination so much easier.

I have definitrely considered concierge where my second home is if for no other reason than that I know fewer people to take recommendations from. Certainly if that home becomes the one place I choose forever in a few years, I'll look for a concierge practice.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

Tyak — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 20:55:51 GMT

We haven't yet but, we're seriously considering one. Healthcare in this country has gotten absolutely horrible the past couple years. Our pcp has left her practice because of the changes and the new doc views his patients as nothing more than a number in our opinion.

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

hckynut — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 23:27:33 GMT

@Tyak

I have had 2 of my doctors, of many years, leave their practice because of a particular health care necessity for them to hire many more staff workers because of the immense increase in paper(computer) work.

It took me 2 visits with 2 different doctors, to find one that understood that we would be partners in my health care. The 1st doctor thought I was going to come in/listen to him, and accept what he had to say. It took me only a couple minutes to tell him, "I don't think so". I got up and walked out while he was still mumbling something.

The 2nd doctor and myself hit it off right from the getgo. There is no way I would continue to see any doctor that didn't listen to what I had to say, or seemed to be in a hurry.

Have you looked for other doctors? If not, I suggest you give it a shot.

hckynut(john)

Re: Is anyone in or has used a concierge medicine practice?

Witchy Woman — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 18:59:02 GMT

@JasoninBoston

And those of you who have done this.

What is the best way to go about finding a doctor that does this?

TIA