Concierge Medicine in Palm Beach

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, including concierge medicine providers in West Palm Beach.

There are two main things that separate concierge medicine in West Palm Beach from traditional primary care.

1. 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.
2. 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 every time 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.

You can trust your concierge doctor in West Palm Beach 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.

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.