By Jennifer Webster
Physicians explore their decision to practice concierge medicine.
May 16, 2013 - Forbes reports that about 4,400 physicians now practice concierge-style medicine, a form of primary care characterized by a retainer-style fee in return for enhanced access to physician care. What makes physicians decide to become concierge doctors? Are the trade-offs — such as handing out one’s personal cell phone number — worth it? And are there ethical consequences?…Any form of concierge medicine — from a physician who travels with a patient, to an open-access primary care front end to a high-deductible insurance policy — may be limited in its reach and scalability. However, physicians are eagerly diving into direct care at diverse price points and with various portions of their patient loads.
