PATIENT GUIDE: 41 Questions To Ask A “Concierge” Doctor Before You Sign-Up

By Michael Tetreault, Editor

AUGUST 27, 2013 - The concierge medicine and direct primary care health industry is just like any other industry — it has many success stories, but it also has a few stories of woe. When choosing a concierge doctor, there is an entirely set of new questions that you want to be sure you have answered for you and/or your family.

Before you sign-up and pay a concierge physician their fee, you should schedule a complimentary meeting with your next concierge doctor to discuss the benefits, services and cost of  their concierge medical practice and use these 41 questions as your guide.

Below is a comprehensive list of the questions we see patients ask their concierge-style and direct pay doctors frequently. Feel free to share this list with those thinking about concierge medical care and email us if you have any additional questions to add or input to our list.

1. Doctor’s Full Name?
2. Total years in Practice?
3. Years in practice as a concierge or direct primary care doctor?
4. Do you have multiple locations? If so, where?
5. Do you have a web site? Can I read patient reviews about the doctor and his/her practice? Does it have the Doctor’s bio. on it?
6. What is your annual fee?
7. How do I pay the doctor? Do you accept quarterly or monthly fees?
8. What services are covered by the annual fee?
9. Do you offer any discounts for couples and/or families that join (if applicable)?
10. What additional fees are not included in the annual membership fee?
11. Will I be required to pay even if I do not need to use your services?
12. What services can I expect to receive directly from your nursing staff or other healthcare professionals at the practice each year during my membership?
13. Do you accept Insurance? How compatible is your concierge medical practice and services with my health insurance plan?
14. Do you participate in Medicare? (If applicable)
15. Do I need insurance to enroll or sign-up?
16. Is there a co-pay?
17. May I see a copy of your Medical Service(s) Agreement?
18. What if I need to go to the hospital or emergency room?
19. Will my insurance reimburse my monthly fee?
20. Tell me about what’s included in the Annual Comprehensive Physical.
21. Tell me about afterhours care and the doctors 24/7 availability.
22. Can I still see my gynecologist? (If applicable)
23. What is your annual patient retention? (i.e. do you retain most of your patients annually?)
24. What about lab, x-ray and specialists’ fees and hospitalizations?
25. How long do in-office visits typically last?
26. How long will I have to wait if I come in for a visit?
27. What if I have an emergency or need hospitalization?
28. What hospitals does this doctor have admitting privileges to in this area?
29. What about the cost of prescription medicines?
30. Can I receive text messages from my doctor? E-visits, Skype Video chat, or FaceTime thru iPhone?
31. What type of new technology do you use regularly in your concierge medical practice?
32. If I call my concierge doctor at 8pm or 2am for an urgent healthcare concern, what will happen? I.e. Will the doctor be available?
33. What if I need to see a medical specialist or need surgery?
34. How difficult is it to get an appointment? Do you provide same or next-day visits with unhurried appointments that start on time with the doctor?
35. What happens if my doctor goes on vacation?
36. What happens if I move out of the area after I enroll?
37. Can I enroll in a concierge medicine plan anytime in the future?
38. What if I get married or have/adopt a child?  Can I extend coverage to my new family members?
39. Do  you provide help for out-of-town family members visiting for a few days in the event that they have a health issue?
40. Do you have any specials/discounts running right now?
41. How do I sign up?

Got questions:

Email us at editor@conciergemedicinetoday.com or visit www.ConciergeMedicineToday.com or call 770-455-1650.