3 Ways Concierge Medicine Differs From Regular Primary Care

Was the last visit with your doctor so rushed you had no time to ask questions? 

Your primary care provider is the manager of your overall health. But the traditional health insurance payor system makes it hard for doctors to spend the amount of time needed to really take care of your health. In order to pay the bills, doctors must carry a high patient load with a daily schedule packed with patients, leaving very little time for patient care.

At East Side Primary Medical Care on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Daniel Klein is a primary care provider who offers more time and care for his patients with concierge primary care.

Here, we want to share how concierge medicine differs from regular primary care.

1. Concierge medicine provides more accessible and personalized care

Concierge medical providers see fewer patients. This means we can schedule longer appointments and have greater availability for last-minute appointments.

Appointment times for concierge medicine are at least 30 minutes long and never rushed. We give you all the time you need to ask questions. We also make sure there’s enough time for us to perform a thorough exam and review our findings.

Because our schedule is more open, we can make last-minute, same-day or next-day appointments. We also make ourselves accessible by phone, text, and email to answer questions or provide care without a formal visit. 

All of this extra time and attention gives us a chance to get to know you better and build a trusting relationship and provide personalized care. 

2. The concierge approach focuses on prevention

When doctors have limited time with patients, they focus on the immediate problem rather than the whole picture. That means doctors are constantly putting out fires instead of preventing them.

Concierge primary care focuses on preventing problems and promoting health. Longer appointments give us more time for health education. Our accessibility also makes it easy for you to keep in touch when you have questions or need reassurances that you’re going in the right direction.

We also give you the support, knowledge, and tools that empower you to take a proactive role in your own health. Wellness is an ongoing venture that requires active participation. We’re here to monitor your progress, cheer on your successes, and help you readjust when you get off track. 

3. Concierge medicine has membership-based pricing

One of the biggest differences between concierge medicine and regular primary care is pricing. Instead of going through your insurance carrier for payment, you pay a membership fee directly to the doctor or practice to participate in concierge care. 

This fee includes many of our key health services such as comprehensive annual physical exams, 24/7 access to our doctor and provider network, same- or next-day appointments, and longer appointment times. 

There are no co-pays or premiums, only the membership fee for medical care. However, concierge medicine fees may not include cost of medications, lab work, or care from other doctors. 

Concierge primary care is how medicine should be. It’s a patient-centered approach that puts you in charge. 

Are you considering concierge primary care to manage your wellness? Call our office in New York City or request information online to learn more about our program.