Scheduling conflicts and long wait times are only some of the challenges people face when they try to seek their doctor or medical professional. With concierge medicine in Palm Beach, those days are gone. Patients can enjoy convenient access to their primary physician whenever, wherever.
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What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is an on-demand service that allows patients to get the care or advice they require when they need it.
For a monthly retaining fee, you can get direct access to your primary care physician or specialist sans hurdles like time constraints and appointments. This is because concierge doctors only handle a limited number of patients, enabling them to give their retainers the attention and personalized care they deserve.
How it started
Concierge medicine is believed to have started around the 1990s. It shares, more or less, the same mission as today’s method: to remove obstacles that are common in traditional health care, making medical care more accessible.
One of concierge medicine’s off-shoots is the direct primary care model or DPC. It was pushed by physicians who wanted to provide immediate access to patients who needed primary care back in the 2000s. As its name states, DPC doctors only provide primary care, while concierge medicine can offer a variety of medical services depending on the skill and specialization of the doctor or concierge medical provider.
According to Concierge Medicine Today, there are now approximately 12,000 concierge or DPC medical providers across the United States.
The difference between traditional care and concierge medicine
There are two main things that separate concierge medicine in Palm Beach from traditional primary care.
- Ease of access – Long wait times are virtually non-existent with concierge medicine. Since concierge doctors have smaller patient panels, you can schedule same-day appointments or teleconsultation when the need arises. Patients are also often given direct lines of communication to their concierge doctor, eliminating more barriers between doctor and patient.
- Mode of payment – Unlike traditional primary care, concierge medicine is retainer-based. Patients pay a monthly fee that typically includes an unlimited number of in-person and virtual consultations within a specific timeframe. Furthermore, concierge medicine is an out-of-pocket expense not covered by healthcare insurance providers. Copayments and deductibles are taken out of the equation everytime you come in for a consultation.
Concierge medicine makes it easier for patients to seek more advanced and specialized care as well. Since they can connect to their concierge doctors easily, further advice and referrals are given as soon as possible. You can start the treatments you need without waiting for months on end.
What to expect from your concierge doctor
You can trust your concierge doctor to be there for you if you find yourself in any of the following situations:
- You have certain health concerns or are experiencing symptoms and would like to be diagnosed and advised for the next steps in terms of treatment.
- You are in need of minor care services such as stitches and sutures because you have sustained cuts, wounds, sprains, and other injuries.
- You need help in managing and treating an acute or chronic illness and other forms of health impairment.
- You want to monitor and maintain your overall health.
Should you find yourself in need for more advanced treatment, your concierge doctor can immediately refer you to the right specialist. Some concierge doctors, however, offer more than primary care. As you explore your options, get to know the specialties of potential concierge doctors and if they suit your long-term health and medical needs.
How much does concierge medicine cost?
Concierge medicine has the reputation of being exclusive to affluent patients. But with more doctors joining the practice, fees now range from $1,200 to over $300,000 a year. Concierge medicine fees ultimately depend on the following: location, the concierge doctor’s patient panel, and the scope of services offered.
Payments also differ depending on the concierge doctor. Others require the annual lump sum to be paid, while some offer monthly membership fees. Membership options vary, with concierge doctors offering individual and family packages.
Apart from the yearly or monthly membership fee, patients may also incur additional expenses. For instance, you may need to get laboratory tests and other clinical services from external healthcare providers. Special care and hospitalizations are also typically outside the scope of concierge medicine. The related expenses, however, can be taken care of by your existing health insurance policy.
Is concierge medicine right for you?
Before you sign up with a concierge doctor, weigh the pros and cons of concierge medicine. Here are a few things to think about.
100% Trust between doctor and patient
Unlike with traditional care, your concierge doctor will be the first person you go to if you have health concerns. Over time, they will gain a better understanding of your health, which will then translate to better and more appropriate care.
Your relationship with your concierge doctor will also deepen. Most patients who are signed with concierge medicine describe their concierge doctors as something more: a friend and, in some cases, family. There will be trust: you will be able to communicate your worries honestly without fear of judgment. This can be hard in traditional medical care, where you are likely to consult with a physician you hardly know.
Personalized solutions based on your unique needs
Trust between doctor and patient leads to better care and treatment plans. Your concierge doctor, with in-depth knowledge of your medical history and needs, will be able to give you exactly the care you need at that moment. And should the need arise, your concierge doctor will be able to connect you to a specialist immediately.
How to find a concierge medicine provider in Palm Beach
Palm Beach is home to several reputable concierge medicine providers, from established clinics to private practices. Below are a few considerations that will help you find the right concierge doctor or clinic for you.
- Specialization
Concierge medicine, in general, offers primary care. But depending on the doctor’s expertise and practice, patients may be able to access a wider range of medical services.Before you sign up to retain the services of a concierge doctor or provider, know the full picture. Ask about the full range of their medical services. If you would like a concierge doctor who can help you address and manage internal health concerns, it would be beneficial in the long-term to get a concierge doctor who practices internal medicine.
If you are planning on signing up your entire family to a concierge medicine provider, the best option would be to hire a concierge doctor who practices family medicine. This is especially the case if you have family members under the age of 18.
- Style
Some concierge doctors prefer the traditional style of practicing medicine. Others are more modern and incorporate a variety of cutting-edge techniques and technology into their methods. Then, there are concierge doctors who mix and balance both styles efficiently.Choose a concierge doctor whose practice style fits your preference. This will ultimately affect your overall experience and comfort with the service, as well as your trust with the concierge doctor. If you feel a concierge doctor does not live up to your expectations regarding their clinical services, you might not get the kind of healthcare you need.
- Independent or part of a group?Concierge medicine in Palm Beach are divided into two main categories: independent concierge doctors with their own boutique practices and concierge doctors who are part of a larger practice or organization.
The former oversees every aspect of their practice, from how many patients they see to standard procedures. The latter, on the other hand, are guided and supported by their parent organization, which sets the procedures and dictate how many patients a concierge doctor can have in their panel.
Both groups of concierge medicine providers can deliver exemplary service to you and your family. That said, you may prefer one or the other. Independent concierge doctors may dictate everything in their practice but lack administrative support. Meanwhile, concierge doctors that are part of larger organizations might have that support, but this may also mean longer processes.
Doctors are not immune from diseases. What happens if your concierge doctor is indisposed? If they are independent, this may mean some delay in your care, diagnosis, or treatment. But if they are with a clinic or organization, another concierge doctor might be able to step in and address your concerns.
- Amenities
Each concierge medicine provider, whether they are independent or part of an organization, offers a different array of amenities on top of their primary care services. If you have certain needs or non-negotiables, exploring these add-ons is a must.When it comes to amenities, the main thing to consider would be your overall lifestyle preferences. These can have a significant impact on whether a concierge doctor can deliver the kind of care you need or otherwise.
Do you anticipate needing your concierge doctor during odd hours? Perhaps you just want to have regular access to them in case of emergencies. Ask potential concierge doctors if they can provide 24/7 access, as well as their preferred communication methods. Others are only reachable by phone, while some concierge doctors can also be reached through social messaging applications.
Are you a frequent traveler? Are you constantly on the go? You might find a concierge doctor who offers on-the-phone and online consultations agreeable to your lifestyle. This may be a necessity, as is 24/7 access, if you divide your time traveling to and from places in different time zones or if you have a second residence somewhere else.
What are your health goals? Perhaps you are looking to incorporate a better diet. You might also be keen on exploring supplements, probiotics, and blood work. Are you having a hard time dealing with your stress or sleeping at night? A concierge doctor who offers health coaching services may be able to help you improve your well-being.
Do you need specialist care? Remember that concierge medicine usually revolves around primary care. While other concierge doctors can refer you to a trusted specialist in their network, some do specialize in certain practices. If you are regularly dealing with cardiovascular issues, for instance, it may be in your best interest to have a concierge doctor who can give you the appropriate care.
- Your current medical careThe kind of care you are receiving in your current setup should also be taken into consideration as you search for concierge medicine services in Palm Beach. Two questions especially come to mind: what do you like about your current medical care, and what are the things that can be vastly improved?
The answers to these questions will shape your search. Naturally, you will want a concierge doctor who can also provide the services and amenities you already love with your current medical care provider. More importantly, your would-be concierge doctor should also be able to fill the gaps.
- The cost
Concierge medicine fees can range anywhere between a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars per month depending on the concierge doctor or their organization. Even if money is not an issue, you should still take the total cost into account. Consider signing up for concierge medicine as an investment— a long-term one that can greatly benefit your health and well-being.Some concierge doctors and organizations have different fees dictated by several things, which can include the services and amenities included as well as the current health situation of the patient. You do not need to examine if each cost is justified, but do consider if the fee is appropriate for the service and medical expertise you will be getting.
- Trust and comfort
Your entire experience with concierge medicine relies on whether you are comfortable and able to trust your concierge doctor.Every personal concern you have is valid. It is alright if you prefer to have a concierge doctor who is the same gender as you, especially if you are dealing with past trauma. It is also perfectly fine if you would rather have a concierge doctor who is already familiar with your family.
While it is important to keep an open mind, if you feel you cannot completely trust an individual with your health and life, it is best to move on and explore your other options.
Concierge medicine with Dr. Chauncey Crandall
Dr. Chauncey Crandall IV, M.D. of The Palm Beach Clinic of Preventive Medicine and Cardiology elevates concierge medicine in Palm Beach by providing more than just primary care.
A world-renowned cardiologist and internist with over 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Crandall can deliver highly personalized care that will enable you to live your best life. He is a leading expert in Palm Beach when it comes to cardiology health, preventative cardiology, heart transplantation, and interventional cardiology.
A medical expert through and through
Dr. Crandall’s expertise in cardiology and internal medicine was cultivated in several of the world’s leading institutions. He completed both of his postdoctoral training in internal medicine at the prestigious Yale University School of Medicine. It was also here where Dr. Crandall spent and finished three years of research at the school’s Cardiovascular Surgery Division.
Dr. Crandall went on to complete fellowship trainings at Beth Israel Hospital, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, and the Medical College of Virginia for cardiology and advanced interventional cardiology, respectively.
Nurturing the next generation of medical leaders
Throughout his years in the medical field, Dr. Crandall has been generous in sharing his knowledge and expertise in cardiology and internal medicine. In the Medical College of Virginia alone, Dr. Crandall held several posts: as an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of Cardiac Critical Care, Director of Medical Education. Dr. Crandall also led the Medical College of Virginia’s Heart Transplant Program as its chief. All of this he did in a span of six years.
Following his time spent at the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Crandall traveled to Durham, North Carolina and worked as a Faculty Professor at the Duke University School of Medicine’s Cardiovascular Division in 1993. By this time, the Duke Division of Cardiology was already established as one of the leaders in cardiology research and clinical care.
Seeking to widen Duke University’s already impressive cardiology division, Dr. Crandall relocated to Palm Beach, Florida, where he is now currently based. Here, he established Duke University’s Interventional Cardiology Program.
Dr. Crandall currently divides his working hours between teaching and running his practice. His current hospital appointments include Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Jupiter Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, as well as Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine in New York. Dr. Crandall is also presently an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mt. Sinai Heart New York and Mt. Sinai Heart New York-Palm Beach’s Director of Preventative Medicine and Complex Cardiology.