Is MDVIP (concierge PCP) worth it?

[Anonymous]

I just got a letter from my PCP stating that he is moving to MDVIP, which I guess is a concierge practice.

I'm 35 and in generally good health. I see a few specialists and usually see my PCP due to an acute illness or if I have an injury that's taking a long time to heal. The annual fee is $1800. If you've moved to such a practice--is it worth it? I like my PCP and don't really want to have to switch, but $1800 seems pretty steep for a few visits per year.

[Anonymous]

Don't think it would be worth it in your case. Start looking for a new PCP.

[Anonymous]

My friend's parents use it - they are in their 70s and want to be able to call and talk to a doctor at any time and have their colds, aches, etc catered to. I think it's actually a good thing for them, but for me, at 39 and really healthy, it would be a total waste of money.

[Anonymous]

The only person I know who has a concierge doc has a chronic illness. So they really benefit from being able to call at any time and get advice or prescriptions. Can't imagine it'd be worth it if you're generally healthy.

[Anonymous]

I've done it for 7 years and am finally quitting after literally more problems than benefits the whole time. MDVIP creates hurdles to health care--don't let them fool you. For example, the yearly physical requires you first go see a nurse during early morning hours from 7-9am for a pre-physical wellness screening where they take your blood (must always be before 9am because the blood is mailed to their special lab at 9am). This means that you cannot have the physical with the doctor until this exam with the nurse is done 3 weeks before going to the physical. IF for whatever reason those early morning hours do not work for you, you end up not getting the physical. I have not been able to go see the nurse because of work during early morning hours and have not have a physical or blood work for 5 years as a result. Plus my doctor is only in my city 3 days a week, dividing their time at another office in another city. Completely opposite of the supposed increased availability they advertise. Believe me this is only one of many examples of how it is more of a problem than a benefit. Many problems with billing, scheduling, etc.

[Anonymous]

In 5 years you will realize that you spent about $10,000 on extra unnecessary medical fees. Believe me, it adds up. Especially when you realize that most years you get nothing but a regular physical that your own insurance should cover anyway.

If you ever get a serious illness that impacts your earnings, you will be dropped when you most need the special relationship with your doctor which is an illusion if you can't afford the extra cost on top of your premiums, deductibles and co-pays. I wish I could get back the 7 years of money down the drain.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done it for 7 years and am finally quitting after literally more problems than benefits the whole time. MDVIP creates hurdles to health care--don't let them fool you. For example, the yearly physical requires you first go see a nurse during early morning hours from 7-9am for a pre-physical wellness screening where they take your blood (must always be before 9am because the blood is mailed to their special lab at 9am). This means that you cannot have the physical with the doctor until this exam with the nurse is done 3 weeks before going to the physical. IF for whatever reason those early morning hours do not work for you, you end up not getting the physical. I have not been able to go see the nurse because of work during early morning hours and have not have a physical or blood work for 5 years as a result. Plus my doctor is only in my city 3 days a week, dividing their time at another office in another city. Completely opposite of the supposed increased availability they advertise. Believe me this is only one of many examples of how it is more of a problem than a benefit. Many problems with billing, scheduling, etc.

I've been with them for 10 years or so, and have never had these sorts of issues. It sounds like what you're describing is specific to the practice, not MDVIP.

We did it because our beloved internist joined MDVIP, but it may not be for you if you're young and healthy.

When my husband had unexpected heart surgery it was a godsend. Our physician was in contact with both me and the surgeon, enabling a couple of problems to be resolved quickly. He also saved my sanity by talking me down from panic a time or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In 5 years you will realize that you spent about $10,000 on extra unnecessary medical fees. Believe me, it adds up. Especially when you realize that most years you get nothing but a regular physical that your own insurance should cover anyway.

If you ever get a serious illness that impacts your earnings, you will be dropped when you most need the special relationship with your doctor which is an illusion if you can't afford the extra cost on top of your premiums, deductibles and co-pays. I wish I could get back the 7 years of money down the drain.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've done it for 7 years and am finally quitting after literally more problems than benefits the whole time. MDVIP creates hurdles to health care--don't let them fool you. For example, the yearly physical requires you first go see a nurse during early morning hours from 7-9am for a pre-physical wellness screening where they take your blood (must always be before 9am because the blood is mailed to their special lab at 9am). This means that you cannot have the physical with the doctor until this exam with the nurse is done 3 weeks before going to the physical. IF for whatever reason those early morning hours do not work for you, you end up not getting the physical. I have not been able to go see the nurse because of work during early morning hours and have not have a physical or blood work for 5 years as a result. Plus my doctor is only in my city 3 days a week, dividing their time at another office in another city. Completely opposite of the supposed increased availability they advertise. Believe me this is only one of many examples of how it is more of a problem than a benefit. Many problems with billing, scheduling, etc.

I've been with them for 10 years or so, and have never had these sorts of issues. It sounds like what you're describing is specific to the practice, not MDVIP.

We did it because our beloved internist joined MDVIP, but it may not be for you if you're young and healthy.

When my husband had unexpected heart surgery it was a godsend. Our physician was in contact with both me and the surgeon, enabling a couple of problems to be resolved quickly. He also saved my sanity by talking me down from panic a time or two.

This is standard and isn't anything you need to pay extra fees for.

[Anonymous]

At what time did a primary doc make it a special practice to talk to you, give you a physical, interpret blood work, recommend a specialist and confer with them about your care? That should be the standard of care for any doctor. My MD wants to charge +1600/yr. so even if I went to him 16 times I would still be putting in his pocket $100 a visit extra. I’m a nurse, I want a job where I see less patients and make over $950000 more a year. Because you have problems with the system does not mean you should fleece your patients. Greed is ugly

[Anonymous]

Doesn't sound like the plan will be worth it for you, OP. The people I know who use concierge doctors are the ones who have chronic illnesses, very frequent visits and/or are very well-to-do. I would save the extra cash in case you need this service when you are older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In 5 years you will realize that you spent about $10,000 on extra unnecessary medical fees. Believe me, it adds up. Especially when you realize that most years you get nothing but a regular physical that your own insurance should cover anyway.

If you ever get a serious illness that impacts your earnings, you will be dropped when you most need the special relationship with your doctor which is an illusion if you can't afford the extra cost on top of your premiums, deductibles and co-pays. I wish I could get back the 7 years of money down the drain.

This. Our family practice in NoVa switched to MDVIP 5-7 years ago. We moved out after we discovered that the problems with their practice didn't change, we just got charged more money. Switched to INOVA with another in-network provider and we have been very happy. Turns out that a lot of the things that our old family practice was touting as wonderful befits of MDVIP are standard procedure at the new practice. MDVIP is totally not worth it.

[Anonymous]

I am mid 50's, but with several chronic conditions: Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease. For me, the ability to get an appointment when something starts going wrong -- before it really goes south has me thinking of switching to a concierge practice.

As an example, I had a cold that lasted a few days. Then, I felt better, but the next day, I was weeping and coughing up crap. I could not be seen my my PCP this week, but I was able to be seen by another doctor in the practice the next day. (I am with INOVA).

With the concierge, I should be able to see my doctor that day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've done it for 7 years and am finally quitting after literally more problems than benefits the whole time. MDVIP creates hurdles to health care--don't let them fool you. For example, the yearly physical requires you first go see a nurse during early morning hours from 7-9am for a pre-physical wellness screening where they take your blood (must always be before 9am because the blood is mailed to their special lab at 9am). This means that you cannot have the physical with the doctor until this exam with the nurse is done 3 weeks before going to the physical. IF for whatever reason those early morning hours do not work for you, you end up not getting the physical. I have not been able to go see the nurse because of work during early morning hours and have not have a physical or blood work for 5 years as a result. Plus my doctor is only in my city 3 days a week, dividing their time at another office in another city. Completely opposite of the supposed increased availability they advertise. Believe me this is only one of many examples of how it is more of a problem than a benefit. Many problems with billing, scheduling, etc.

Having your blood drawn first a few weeks before an actual physical is pretty common, whether it is a concierge practice or not. Your doc wants the blood test results when he/she sees you for your physical.Do you really expect them to do the blood tests on site while you wait?

For us, billing has been seamless. On evenings and weekends, doc is always available. Appointments are always available. My doc has always worked my schedule. My doc saw my brother from out of town the Monday after Thanksgiving. His issue was not diagnosed properly during an ED visit. I called my doc and he saw him in 45 minutes. And he spent half an hour with my brother diagnosing the right thing.

It does sound as if a concierge practice may not be appropriate for PP. No one is forcing you to pay -- just stop if you are unhappy with the service provided.

In five years, you haven't been able to get ONE or TWO hours off to get your blood drawn for your physical? Seriously?

[Anonymous]

Left my MDVIP doctor this year after 6 years. Not worth it. Doctor is doing less and less. There is nothing personalized about it. You are paying for the ability to get a quick appointment and a more extensive blood workup.