How to Choose a Concierge Doctor

Choosing a concierge or direct primary care physician is one of the most important healthcare decisions you can make. Unlike selecting a doctor from an insurance network directory, you are entering a paid membership relationship that should deliver meaningfully better care. This guide walks you through the key factors to evaluate so you can find the right physician for your needs.

1. Verify Credentials and Board Certification

The foundation of any good physician relationship is competence. Before considering the concierge features, confirm the basics:

Board certification: Is the physician board-certified in their specialty (family medicine, internal medicine, etc.)? Board certification means they have completed residency training and passed rigorous specialty exams. You can verify board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website. NPI verification: Every practicing physician in the United States has a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number registered with the federal NPPES (National Plan and Provider Enumeration System). Verify the physician's NPI to confirm their active license status, specialty, and practice location. Tools like NextMD display NPI-verified credentials directly on physician profiles. State medical license: Confirm the physician holds an active, unrestricted medical license in your state. You can check this through your state's medical board website. Malpractice history: While not always publicly accessible, some states provide information about physician disciplinary actions through their medical board websites.

2. Evaluate Panel Size

Panel size is one of the most important differentiators in concierge medicine. It directly determines how much time and attention your physician can dedicate to you.

• Under 300 patients: Highly exclusive, maximum access. Typical of premium concierge practices.
• 300-500 patients: The sweet spot for most concierge practices. Enough patients to sustain the practice, few enough for genuine personalization.
• 500-800 patients: Common in DPC and budget concierge practices. Still significantly better than traditional primary care (2,000-3,000 patients), but the physician has less flexibility per patient.
• Over 800 patients: At this level, the "concierge" benefits start to thin. Be cautious of practices that charge membership fees but maintain large panels.

Ask directly: "How many active patients do you currently have?" and "What is your maximum panel size?" A good practice will answer transparently.

3. Understand What the Membership Includes

Membership fees vary widely, and what you get for your money varies even more. Before committing, get a clear, written breakdown of what the membership includes.

Questions to ask:

• What is the standard appointment length?
• Are same-day appointments guaranteed?
• How do I reach you after hours? (Direct cell? Answering service? Secure messaging?)
• Are telemedicine visits included or extra?
• What does the annual wellness exam include? (Basic physical vs. executive physical with advanced labs and screening)
• Are basic labs included in the membership?
• Do you offer house calls? At extra charge?
• Do you provide care coordination with specialists?
• Are there any additional fees beyond the membership (procedure fees, supply fees, etc.)?

4. Assess Communication Style and Accessibility

The relationship between a patient and a concierge physician is more intimate than a typical doctor-patient relationship. You are paying for access, so the physician's communication style matters enormously.

During your initial consultation (most concierge practices offer a free meet-and-greet), evaluate:

• Does the physician listen carefully, or do they rush through the conversation?
• Do they explain things clearly and at your level?
• Do they ask about your goals, concerns, and preferences — not just your symptoms?
• Are they comfortable with your preferred communication style (phone, text, email, in-person)?
• Do they seem genuinely interested in a long-term relationship, or are they "selling" the membership?

Red flags:

• The physician seems distracted or hurried during the meet-and-greet.
• They cannot clearly explain what differentiates their practice.
• They avoid answering specific questions about panel size or availability.

5. Consider Location and Logistics

Concierge medicine is a relationship-based model, which means you will ideally see your physician regularly — not just when you are sick. Consider:

• Proximity to your home or office: Can you get to the practice easily for both scheduled and same-day visits?
• Office environment: Is the office clean, well-organized, and welcoming? Concierge practices typically have shorter wait times, but the overall environment still matters.
• Parking and accessibility: For patients with mobility challenges, confirm the office is accessible.
• Telemedicine options: If you travel frequently or live far from the practice, robust telemedicine capabilities are essential.
• Hospital affiliations: Which hospital does the physician have admitting privileges at? If you are hospitalized, will your concierge physician manage your care or hand off to a hospitalist?

6. Review Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Patient reviews provide valuable insight into the day-to-day experience of being a member.

Where to find reviews:

• Google Reviews (most common and broadly accessible)
• Healthgrades (physician-specific reviews with clinical detail)
• NextMD (detailed practice profiles with verified credentials for concierge and DPC practices)
• The practice's own website (typically curated, so take these with a grain of salt)

What to look for in reviews:

• Consistent praise for accessibility and responsiveness
• Comments about the physician truly knowing the patient
• Mentions of thorough, unhurried appointments
• Patterns of complaint (billing issues, difficulty reaching the doctor, long wait times despite the membership)

Red flags in reviews:

• Multiple reviews mentioning difficulty reaching the physician
• Complaints about the practice growing too large or feeling impersonal
• Reviews suggesting the membership does not deliver what was promised

7. Evaluate the Practice's Approach to Preventive Care

One of the primary benefits of concierge medicine is proactive, preventive healthcare — catching problems before they become serious. Ask about the practice's approach:

• Annual wellness exam scope: Does it include advanced cardiovascular screening, cancer risk assessment, metabolic health evaluation, mental health screening, and lifestyle counseling? Or is it a basic physical with routine labs?
• Health planning: Does the physician create a personalized annual health plan with specific goals and follow-ups?
• Screening philosophy: How aggressive is the practice about age-appropriate screenings? Do they go beyond the minimum recommendations when risk factors warrant it?
• Nutrition and lifestyle: Does the practice offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management — or is this left to you?

8. Understand the Financial Terms

Concierge medicine is a financial commitment. Protect yourself by understanding the terms:

• Contract length: Is the membership month-to-month, or does it require an annual commitment?
• Cancellation policy: What happens if you want to leave? Is there a notice period? Are there penalties?
• Fee increases: How often does the practice raise membership fees? By how much? Is there a cap?
• Insurance billing: Does the practice bill your insurance for covered services, or is the membership all-inclusive?
• Payment methods: Can you pay monthly, quarterly, or annually? Is there a discount for annual payment?
• Family rates: Are there discounted rates for spouses, children, or household members?

9. Check for Continuity and Succession Planning

A concierge relationship is a long-term investment. You want to know your physician will be around.

• How long has the physician been in practice? More experienced physicians are less likely to change careers or relocate.
• Is there a succession plan? If the physician retires, becomes ill, or leaves the practice, what happens to your care? Will you be transitioned to another physician?
• Who covers when your physician is unavailable? What happens when your doctor is on vacation, at a conference, or sick? Is there a qualified covering physician, or are you redirected to urgent care?

10. Trust Your Gut

After doing all the research and asking all the questions, trust your instinct. The most important factor in a concierge medicine relationship is the personal fit between you and your physician.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel heard and respected?
• Do I trust this physician's judgment?
• Can I see myself having honest, open conversations with this person about my health?
• Does the practice feel organized and professional?
• Am I comfortable with the financial commitment given the value I expect to receive?

If the answer to all of these is yes, you have likely found the right concierge physician.

A Quick Evaluation Checklist

Before making your decision, use this checklist to compare practices:

• ☐Board-certified in family medicine or internal medicine
• ☐NPI verified and license in good standing
• ☐Panel size under 600 patients
• ☐Same-day or next-day appointments guaranteed
• ☐Direct physician access (phone/text/email)
• ☐Comprehensive annual wellness exam included
• ☐Telemedicine visits included
• ☐Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• ☐Month-to-month or reasonable cancellation terms
• ☐Covering physician available when primary doctor is out
• ☐Positive patient reviews across multiple platforms
• ☐Personal comfort and trust after meet-and-greet

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I have a meet-and-greet before joining?

Absolutely. Most concierge practices offer a free introductory consultation where you can meet the physician, tour the office, ask questions, and evaluate the fit. If a practice does not offer this, consider it a red flag. You are entering a paid relationship — you deserve to meet the person first.

How do I transition from my current doctor to a concierge physician?

Request your medical records from your current practice (they are legally required to provide them). Share these records with your new concierge physician before your first appointment so they can review your history. Your new physician should schedule a comprehensive initial visit (often 60-90 minutes) to get to know you, your medical history, your goals, and your concerns.

What if I am not happy after joining?

Most practices offer a cancellation process. If you are on a month-to-month agreement, you can typically cancel with 30 days' notice. If you signed an annual contract, review the cancellation clause. Many practices will prorate a refund if there are extenuating circumstances. The key is to read the agreement carefully before signing.

Can I interview multiple concierge doctors before choosing?

Yes, and you should. This is a significant financial and personal commitment. Meeting 2-3 physicians to compare communication styles, practice philosophies, and membership terms is a smart approach. Do not feel pressured to commit during the first meeting.

How important is hospital affiliation?

It depends on your health needs. If you have a chronic condition or are at higher risk for hospitalization, your concierge physician's hospital affiliation matters. Some concierge doctors have admitting privileges and will manage your care if you are hospitalized. Others will coordinate with the hospital's medical team but not be present. Ask about this specifically if continuity during hospitalization is important to you.