Apologies to Mark Twain, but reports of the death of private practice are somewhat exaggerated. There are still plenty of us around, and most of us are making out quite well. Not all, though. I’m quite sure the murmurs of discontent have reached many ears by now. So much so that many doctors unhappy with the status quo have taken action. One such action is to “go concierge.”
Concierge practice, also known as retainer medicine, is basically an arrangement where the patient pays a fee up front (generally quoted as an annual figure, often payable in monthly installments) for the doctor’s professional services.The idea is that for their usually rather hefty annual payment, the patients receive “enhanced” services, most often as longer, more leisurely office visits, and greater access to the physician, typically his cell phone number.
Here’s the thing: I’m already doing all that. Standard appointments are thirty minutes: longer if you need them, same day if necessary. As for my cell phone, all you need to do is ask. Actually, if you want me to text you with test results, you’ll have my cell number forever after. No one has ever abused it, just like my residency director told me thirty years ago (though he was talking about the home phone number: same idea.) Leisurely appointments whenever you want them and total access all the time.
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