What Is Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine is a healthcare model where patients pay an annual or monthly membership fee directly to their physician in exchange for enhanced access, longer appointments, and more personalized care. Sometimes called "retainer medicine" or "boutique medicine," this approach has grown significantly over the past two decades as patients seek alternatives to the rushed, high-volume model that dominates traditional primary care.

How Concierge Medicine Works

In a traditional primary care practice, a single physician may manage a panel of 2,000 to 3,000 patients. This volume means appointments are typically limited to 10-15 minutes, and getting a same-day appointment can be nearly impossible. Concierge practices flip this equation by dramatically reducing panel sizes — often to just 300 to 600 patients per physician.

Here is what the membership model looks like in practice:

You pay a retainer fee. This is typically billed monthly or annually and ranges from $100 to $500 per month, though some high-end practices charge significantly more. This fee covers enhanced access to your physician, not specific medical services. Your insurance still plays a role. Most concierge practices still bill your insurance for office visits, labs, and procedures. The membership fee covers the access layer — same-day appointments, direct physician communication, extended visit times, and proactive wellness planning. You get a dedicated physician. Because concierge doctors see fewer patients, they can spend 30-60 minutes per appointment rather than the typical 10-15 minutes. Many concierge physicians provide their direct cell phone number or a secure messaging line for after-hours questions.

Key Features of Concierge Medicine

Extended Appointments

Standard primary care appointments last 10-15 minutes. In a concierge practice, appointments typically run 30-60 minutes, giving your physician time to discuss your health comprehensively rather than rushing through a checklist.

Same-Day or Next-Day Access

Most concierge practices guarantee same-day or next-day appointments. Some offer walk-in availability. This reduces unnecessary emergency room visits and ensures you see your doctor when something urgent arises.

Direct Physician Communication

Many concierge doctors provide patients with their direct phone number, email, or a secure messaging platform. You can reach your doctor without navigating a phone tree or waiting days for a callback.

Comprehensive Wellness Planning

With more time per patient, concierge physicians can focus on preventive care: detailed annual physicals, advanced screening panels, nutrition counseling, exercise planning, and mental health check-ins. This proactive approach often catches problems earlier.

Telemedicine and House Calls

Many concierge practices offer telemedicine visits as part of the membership, and some even provide house calls for patients who are homebound, elderly, or simply prefer the convenience.

Coordination of Care

Concierge physicians often serve as the quarterback of your healthcare team. They coordinate with specialists, follow up on referrals, review test results with you in detail, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks during transitions of care.

Who Benefits Most from Concierge Medicine?

Concierge medicine is not exclusively for the wealthy, though cost is a real barrier for many. The patients who tend to benefit most include:

• People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders who need frequent monitoring and extended conversations with their physician.
• Busy professionals who value time and need guaranteed same-day access without long waits.
• Seniors and retirees who want a more attentive, relationship-based approach to managing the complexities of aging.
• Families seeking a single physician who knows every member of the household deeply.
• Anyone frustrated with the status quo of 10-minute appointments and weeks-long wait times.

The History and Growth of Concierge Medicine

Concierge medicine emerged in the mid-1990s, with MD2 International (founded in 1996 in Seattle) widely considered the first concierge practice. The model was initially associated with ultra-wealthy patients paying $10,000 or more per year. Over the past decade, however, the model has become far more accessible.

According to industry estimates, there are now over 12,000 concierge and direct primary care physicians practicing in the United States. The growth has been driven by physician burnout (with many doctors leaving traditional practice models) and patient demand for better access and longer appointments.

Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Primary Care

Is Concierge Medicine Right for You?

Consider concierge medicine if:

1. You value a deep, ongoing relationship with your primary care physician.
2. You are frustrated by short appointments and long wait times.
3. You have complex health needs that require more physician time.
4. You can comfortably budget the monthly membership fee.
5. You want proactive, preventive care rather than reactive sick care.

Concierge medicine may not be the right fit if:

1. You rarely need medical care and are comfortable with the traditional model.
2. The membership fee would create financial strain.
3. You prefer a large medical group with extensive in-house specialist coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance cover concierge medicine fees?

No. The membership fee itself is not covered by insurance. However, most concierge practices still bill your insurance for office visits, labs, imaging, and other medical services. The fee covers enhanced access, not medical services per se. Some patients use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to pay membership fees, though eligibility depends on IRS rules and the specific fee structure.

How much does concierge medicine cost?

Membership fees vary widely. Budget-friendly practices may charge $100-$150 per month, while mid-range concierge practices typically charge $200-$400 per month. High-end practices can charge $500 or more per month. Annual fees range from approximately $1,200 to $25,000 or more.

Can I keep my current insurance with a concierge doctor?

Yes. Most concierge practices accept insurance and will bill your plan for covered services. The membership fee is an additional cost on top of your regular premiums and copays. A smaller number of concierge practices operate on a "cash-only" basis and do not bill insurance.

What is the difference between concierge medicine and direct primary care?

Direct primary care (DPC) is a related but distinct model. DPC practices charge a membership fee but typically do not bill insurance at all. The membership fee in DPC covers most or all primary care services — visits, basic labs, simple procedures. DPC fees tend to be lower ($50-$150/month) because the practice avoids insurance billing overhead. Concierge practices, by contrast, usually still bill insurance and charge higher membership fees for the enhanced access layer.

Will my concierge doctor handle emergencies?

Concierge physicians provide enhanced access for urgent primary care needs, but they are not emergency room replacements. For true emergencies (chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe injuries), you should always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. However, your concierge doctor can often triage non-emergency urgent situations by phone and help you decide whether you need the ER, urgent care, or can be seen in the office.