So if you haven’t heard by now, many primary care physicians have been, as of recently moving to a “concierge model.” In fact, a primary care doctor I was seeing for a while decided to do this. When is the last time you have been to your primary care physician (pcp) as perhaps they have as well?
Just go on pcp websites across the U.S. and you may see the trend.
For example, a practicing physician Dr. Rob discusses how he is Dropping Out over on http://more-distractible.org/2012/09/08/dropping-out/.
“I will be starting a solo practice that does not file insurance, instead taking a monthly “subscription” fee, which gives patients access to me.”
In the post he discusses his top 3 frustrations with the current health care system too many patients, not getting paid properly for providing care, and non-patient issues such as coding and practicing defensive medicine.
Dr. Rob says
“...I plan on having a practice where I can take better care of my patients while not getting burned out in the process.”
For those who haven’t caught on yet, the fees your pay your primary care doctor following a concierge model is in addition to your insurance coverage fees for the year.
This post http://blogs.courier-journal.com/prime/2012/09/30/healthcare-reform-two-sides-of-the-canvas/ also provides some further insights into the concierge model while highlighting the need for universal coverage in the U.S. such as that advocated for by Physicians for a National Health Program PNPH.
This post poses this potential case
“An 80 year-old man whose long-time primary care doctor now requires patients to pay a 1000$ ‘retainer.’ Is having a non-rushed, available and happier doctor worth 20$ per week? This is a question that more of us will be asking ourselves. The reason that doctors are moving to a concierge model of care is obvious: Think unintended consequences of trying to reign in healthcare costs by decreasing ‘provider’ compensation. “
I am all for having happier doctors with enough time to look after their patients but certainly am not interested in paying additional retainer fees in additional to already costly insurance.