The concierge model of medicine offers a range of advantages to professionals. Instead of relying solely on reimbursement from insurance providers, doctors can opt for a subscription-based payment structure that gives them more freedom. However, it's important to note that concierge care isn't an insurance alternative. You'll still need coverage for hospitalizations and referrals to specialists.
To save money, you may want to switch to a high-deductible health plan. Speak to your benefits representative or health insurance company to find out what you can afford with your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Keep in mind that the concierge membership isn't a complete substitute for health insurance. You'll still need to pay out of pocket for specialist visits, prescriptions, and hospital visits that you would have with a traditional primary care doctor.
The main difference between concierge medicine and traditional care is that it focuses on preventive care rather than treating the sick. One of the biggest advantages of concierge models is more personalized care. With fewer patients, doctors can spend more time with each one. This can lead to faster diagnoses and treatments for life-threatening conditions.
Many concierge doctors offer same-day or next-day appointments, longer consultations, home visits, rapid emergency care, and preventive exams and tests that most insurance plans don't cover. Costs aside, concierge medications are something that can work for all types of patients, both healthy and sick. People who are too busy to see a doctor or wait for an appointment may benefit from the convenience of concierge medicine. They can send photos of skin problems or quickly call their doctor about an earache.
It also allows greater flexibility for laboratories. It's important to note that concierge doctors' offices are not just for high-profile celebrities and elite people who can afford access to healthcare in a different way than the average person. While concierge medicine continues to represent a medical expense that many people cannot afford, most people still need insurance to pay for what the advance fee does not cover (Obamacare and other insurance providers cover many procedures that a concierge membership doesn't cover). Concierge medicine emerged in the 1990s as an alternative to volume-based healthcare models, in which doctors are reimbursed according to the number of services they provide and must care for more patients on a daily basis, reducing the time of individual visits. We believe that you can have a better healthcare experience if you choose concierge care, but you should understand the fees and limitations of the system before making your decision.
