Concierge Medicine

[Anonymous]

Does anyone use a concierge doctor for their primary care?

I have an opportunity to join a practice but the cost is giving me pause. It's over $2K.

I am in my early 60's and do have a lot of medical issues so I think it would be helpful at this point in my life. If I were younger and healthier I wouldn't consider it.

My other option would be One Medical.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance.

[Anonymous]

I use concierge and so does my spouse but mostly, because like you, we have some specific health issues. My doc is very well versed in my rare autoimmune disease and it’s invaluable. We pay about $1200 a year for a family plan and our practice takes insurance for the actual visits so I think it’s totally worth it.

[Anonymous]

I like one medical a lot but I don’t have anything complicated going on. But being able to be seen quickly, remotely or in person, is great. The office staff is great and everything administrative is easy. When I do see my main doctor, she spends a lot of time with me. I love that they have a blood draw person in the office. I wish they had a dentist, then it would be perfect.

[Anonymous]

There was just a thread on here recently about how dissatisfied people were with a concierge practice - it may be another one, but search it up.

[Anonymous]

Yes, my husband and I use one - $2k per year.

I love just breezing into her office to get my blood drawn without having to go to a hospital with all of it's sign-in's and insurance registrations. I love having access to her 24/7 by text or phone.

Her office is old-fashioned and cozy - not "clinical" - she also makes house calls. If I need a specialist she takes care of all of the referrals.

The health care system in this country is going to collapse eventually - I'm glad to have a relationship with a dedicated doctor beforehand.

[Anonymous]

I am so opposed to this trend.

They are charging you a retainer to be their patient.

Trying to work less and make more.

Cutting out all but wealthy patients..

Reeks of greed, but around here they can get away with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so opposed to this trend.

They are charging you a retainer to be their patient.

Trying to work less and make more.

Cutting out all but wealthy patients..

Reeks of greed, but around here they can get away with it.

I'm OP and the thing is, I'm not wealthy. This would be a big financial sacrifice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, my husband and I use one - $2k per year.

I love just breezing into her office to get my blood drawn without having to go to a hospital with all of it's sign-in's and insurance registrations. I love having access to her 24/7 by text or phone.

Her office is old-fashioned and cozy - not "clinical" - she also makes house calls. If I need a specialist she takes care of all of the referrals.

The health care system in this country is going to collapse eventually - I'm glad to have a relationship with a dedicated doctor beforehand.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm the OP and appreciate hearing your positive experience.

I haven't seen a dr make a house call since I was a little girl!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was just a thread on here recently about how dissatisfied people were with a concierge practice - it may be another one, but search it up.

Thank you for replying. I did search but didn't find much and definitely didn't find the thread where posters were dissatisfied.

I will search again as I'd like to read it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like one medical a lot but I don’t have anything complicated going on. But being able to be seen quickly, remotely or in person, is great. The office staff is great and everything administrative is easy. When I do see my main doctor, she spends a lot of time with me. I love that they have a blood draw person in the office. I wish they had a dentist, then it would be perfect.

Thank you for sharing your experience with One Medical. It does sound very convenient to have a phlebotomist right there in the office. Would save me from having to go the lab.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use concierge and so does my spouse but mostly, because like you, we have some specific health issues. My doc is very well versed in my rare autoimmune disease and it’s invaluable. We pay about $1200 a year for a family plan and our practice takes insurance for the actual visits so I think it’s totally worth it.

OP here. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like it's really been helpful and you got a great rate. Bonus that they accept your insurance. The office I am considering doesn't.

[Anonymous]

I would not if money is an issue.

[Anonymous]

I’d do it if I had medical issues that required frequent visits and medication titrations. Modern corporate health is just ridiculous. I say this as a doctor who can’t get my patients follow ups because my system shoves new patients in my schedule to make more money. When I’m older and need it, I’ll 100% pay for what I need health wise- without health what are we?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d do it if I had medical issues that required frequent visits and medication titrations. Modern corporate health is just ridiculous. I say this as a doctor who can’t get my patients follow ups because my system shoves new patients in my schedule to make more money. When I’m older and need it, I’ll 100% pay for what I need health wise- without health what are we?

OP here and this is so true. Without good health life has become very challenging for me.

[Anonymous]

I'm very happy with One Medical. I feel like I finally have a PCP who actually makes recommendations and knows me as a person. The appointments are longer and she asks questions about more than just the specific thing I'm there for which has led to better care and more effective help. My dr is also extremely responsive to emails and I get responses either same day or the next morning. As another poster mentioned, the on-site lab is also great and I've never waited more than 5 minutes or so to get labs done. I don't have a high salary, but I feel like the couple hundred per year is well worth it.