What Is Concierge Medicine, and How Much Does It Cost?
With concierge medicine, your doctor can give you personalized care and quicker service for an extra cost.
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With concierge medicine, you pay a monthly fee to get easier access to your doctor. Concierge doctors see fewer patients than normal doctors. That means you get longer appointments, faster care and more personalized coverage.
Concierge medicine can cost between a couple hundred and thousands of dollars per month. Most people pay about $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine gives you longer appointments, more personalized care and better access to your doctor in exchange for a fee.
Most primary care doctors see thousands of patients every year. In contrast, the average concierge doctor only has several hundred. That means you can get faster appointments, longer visits and more personalized care with concierge care.
Plus, many concierge doctors offer extra benefits like 24/7 access by phone or telehealth. Concierge medicine started as a luxury service, but its cost has come down in recent years.
You can now sign up for concierge care for just a couple hundred dollars per month. Keep in mind, you'll typically pay this on top of your regular insurance. That's because concierge medicine adds to, but doesn't replace, your health coverage.
Common services offered by concierge doctors
- Annual physicals
- Wellness checks
- Preventative care
- Care for ongoing diseases
- Help with getting specialist care
Concierge medicine makes it easier to get appointments fast, including those for specialty care. Plus, some concierge doctors will visit you at home.
You're more likely to have access to a concierge doctor if you live in a big city or a wealthy area. But, you may have a hard time finding a concierge medicine service if you live in a rural or less well-off area, even if you can afford the fees.
Pros and cons of concierge medicine
Pros:
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Personalized care
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Direct, round-the-clock access to your doctor
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Longer doctor visits
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No or minimal waits at the doctor
Cons:
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Can be expensive
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Isn't covered by insurance
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Not available everywhere
Concierge medicine is a good choice if you don't mind paying a little extra for better access to your doctor and more personalized guidance for health and lifestyle choices.
Many concierge services let you call your doctor directly on their cell phone, even outside of business hours. That means if you notice a concerning lump or rash, you can get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Concierge medicine also lets you meet with your doctor for longer periods during your regular check-ups. That gives you more opportunities to bring up health concerns and to go over your diet, sleep patterns and other lifestyle choices.
Why concierge medicine is bad for some people
The main drawback to concierge medicine is its high price tag. While more affordable concierge services have become available, it's important to remember that you still also have to pay your monthly insurance rate.
You can't get concierge medicine everywhere. If you don't live in a large or well-off city, you may not have access to this kind of service. Even if concierge medicine is available in your area, you might only have a few options to choose from.
Some people dislike concierge medicine because it may make it harder for people who don't pay for the service to find a doctor. If concierge medicine becomes more popular, those who can't afford the extra cost might get worse care or have to go without coverage.
How much does concierge medicine cost?
Concierge medicine costs about $2,000 to $10,000 per year, on average. Keep in mind that what you pay will depend on factors like where you live and the type of program you sign up for. Concierge doctors tend to charge more in expensive areas like Manhattan or San Francisco.
Concierge medicine has become increasingly affordable over time. However, you can still find concierge services geared toward patients with deeper pockets. These doctors may charge tens of thousands of dollars per year or more.
Remember that the monthly cost you pay for concierge services won't typically cover your normal medical services. You'll still have to pay for health insurance or Medicare if you're age 65 or older every month. You'll still typically be responsible for some costs when you go to the doctor or get treatment.
How does concierge medicine work with insurance?
Insurance doesn't cover concierge medical services.
Concierge doctors charge monthly fees that you pay yourself. If you go to a concierge doctor, you're typically responsible for covering the cost of routine services. For example, you might pay $300 per month to have access to concierge services, and you'll pay an extra $20 when you go to the doctor.
This $20 fee is not a copay. It's part of your concierge medical plan. Even though concierge medical plans work like regular health insurance in some ways, they're not quite the same thing. Remember, with a concierge service, you're paying your doctor or hospital directly.
Many people with concierge medical plans also have insurance for more serious health problems. That's because concierge coverage covers most of your basic medical needs, while health insurance pays for major medical bills.
Concierge medicine doesn’t follow one set of rules. Some expensive concierge services may be able to replace health insurance. Always check your patient agreement before signing up.
Concierge medicine vs. direct primary care
Direct primary care (DPC) is a popular alternative to concierge medicine. With DPC, you'll get many of the same services and personalized care offered by concierge doctors, but for a cheaper price.
Direct primary care plans often cost less than $100 per month. With a DPC plan, you'll get extra time with your doctor, and you can call your doctor's cell phone directly during business hours. Your doctor will also have fewer patients, so you get more personalized care.
Direct primary care plans usually only cover services you'd get through your primary care doctor. Consider a concierge plan if you want help with more services. Direct primary care plans also normally don't give you as much extra time or access to your doctor as concierge care.
Frequently asked questions
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine gives you better access to your doctor for a higher monthly cost. You get extra benefits like longer visits, shorter waits and more personalized care.
How much does concierge medicine cost?
Concierge medicine can cost between $2,000 to $10,000 per year, on average. Keep in mind that what you pay will depend on where you live and the level of service offered. Some luxury concierge medicine services cost tens of thousands of dollars per year or more.
What is the purpose of concierge medicine?
The purpose of concierge medicine is to give you more time and attention from your doctor. Because the concierge medicine model lets doctors see fewer patients, you get more in-depth and personalized care when you need it.
Methodology
Concierge medicine cost data came from the Boston Globe. The average price of direct primary care (DPC) was taken from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Other sources include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Medicare.gov and the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care (JFMPC).
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.