PCP switching to concierge model

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Having a concierge doctor has been very good for me. I'm able to get in to see her easily, whereas my last pcp was booked out 6 months -- I had called for a physical in April and the first appointment they could give me was in November. And my concierge doctor has managed my hrt and weight loss meds, which many pcps won't/don't do (for various reasons). I'm healthier than I was, by a lot, when I first started seeing her. One of the things I appreciate is that when I have needed something, like for example a form filled out to get an insurance tier exception that would allow me to pay less for a medication, it's done that day. I feel like at a regular doctor's office it might get done some time this month, or maybe not, lol -- they just don't have time for that. But the ability to provide stuff like that quickly is built into the concierge practice model. I also found out that I have hearing loss because as part of the annual physical they do a hearing test; I had no idea I had hearing loss, I'm much younger than the age at which that normally happens, but it did explain a lot and I'll probably be getting hearing aids (even though I'm insecure about it because I've never seen anyone my age wearing them). These are some of the reasons it has been helpful for me.

That said, if you are pretty healthy and don't need much care, no sense at all in paying for concierge. People get frustrated when they can't get in same day to see their pcp if they are sick, but that is what urgent care is for.

Get in the ear hearing aids (not over the ear). You can't see them. They cost $1600 from Costco.

[Anonymous]

I started using OneMedical last year, which is sort of cheapo doc-in-a-box wannabe corporate concierge, and haven't regretted it. But I hated my previous PCP's office. Rude, unresponsive, and impossible to get appointments. My PCP was great, which was why I put up with it, but then she left and it was all negatives after that.

The OneMedical office is down the street and it is very simple to get appointments and labs same day or next day through the app. The people at the front desk do a good job of acting friendly and responsive and pretending your presence in the office is wanted, unlike my previous PCP. Appointments start on time. They respond to messages in the portal and requests for Rx refills quickly. I'm satisfied with what I'm getting for my fee, which is not $2000.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be able to get appointments
Having phone calls returned
Email
Experienced with network of peers in various specialties to refer me to including new ones as things crop up

I get all of this with One Medical for $99 a year.

[Anonymous]

Not worth it for me. I only see them once a year for my annual physical. For everything else I go to specialists.

[Anonymous]

My PCP charges an extra $150 at the first visit each year. But covered by insurance or FSA. It makes us put off things at the end of the year to avoid the fee. Try to skip a year entirely by using urgent care

[Anonymous]

$2000 is very reasonable for concierge.
Concierge doctors can usually reduce their patient population significantly.
But I found the only benefit was getting appointments more quickly. There was no coordination when I wanted my concierge doc to talk to a surgeon. That is why he is my former doc, but I chickened out and and blamed it on fee. And, yes, sent to specialists for everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$2000 is very reasonable for concierge.
Concierge doctors can usually reduce their patient population significantly.
But I found the only benefit was getting appointments more quickly. There was no coordination when I wanted my concierge doc to talk to a surgeon. That is why he is my former doc, but I chickened out and and blamed it on fee. And, yes, sent to specialists for everything.

+1

My concierge fee was $3750 this year.

[Anonymous]

I went to a PCP at a concierge practice who was non-concierge for years. She was much more hands-on, appointments were about 45 minutes (!) long, and she had a huge list of actually quality specialists she recommended (though she couldn't do anything to get me appointments with them, that would have been amazing).

Yet when she switched to concierge herself, I did not want to absorb the fee, even though I think it's 100% worth it if you have any sort of ongoing condition. For quality care and a person who listens and yes, actually has staff who answers the phone? Worth it.

[Anonymous]

it's a weird way for PCPs to make more, do less, and see only wealthy people...pass for me.

(I know healthcare is mess and primary care is hit hard...but I just can't)

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't pay any amount for a concierge practice. I'd rather go to a functional doctor and get better service and results. They look at you holistically.

Returning calls and getting appointments are common courtesy.

This concierge service is another way for doctors to make money from people's health.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not worth it for me. I only see them once a year for my annual physical. For everything else I go to specialists.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:it's a weird way for PCPs to make more, do less, and see only wealthy people...pass for me.

(I know healthcare is mess and primary care is hit hard...but I just can't)

Worth it for us and under $2000 each including physical and labs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't pay any amount for a concierge practice. I'd rather go to a functional doctor and get better service and results. They look at you holistically.

Returning calls and getting appointments are common courtesy.

This concierge service is another way for doctors to make money from people's health.

I have a relative who was seriously messed up by seeing a functional doctor. Lost a ton of weight taking supposed supplements that the "doctor" kept pushing her to take despite awful side effects and no benefit.

Meanwhile my family practice doctor, who has transitioned to concierge medicine, looked at me holistically and always went for the least intrusive fix that would help (Vitamins or stretching going to solve your problem? Great. Need medicine? Let's do that. Surgery required? Then it's required.)

This is so doctor dependent.

[Anonymous]

They want to work less, and make the same (or more) money.

I find it gross, since it forces out their lower income patients, those on a fixed income , etc.
But, if you went into medicine to get rich, perhaps it makes sense.

I wish they would just admit they are greedy though, and not pretend this is necessary for me to get an appointment when I am sick or have my phone calls returned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:it's a weird way for PCPs to make more, do less, and see only wealthy people...pass for me.

(I know healthcare is mess and primary care is hit hard...but I just can't)

Worth it for us and under $2000 each including physical and labs.

Because it works for you personally.

No perspective on what it means for the system or community. Got it.