How Does Concierge Medicine Work?
How does concierge medicine work and how can you tell if it’s the right choice for you and your family? In our constantly-evolving healthcare system, these questions are on the minds of many. If you’ve felt unsatisfied with the level of care you’ve been receiving from your current practice, it’s well worth exploring.
What Makes Concierge Medicine Different?
While each concierge medical practice functions a little differently, the core difference is that care is patient-focused. Unfortunately, we live in an era in which doctors rush from one patient to the next. There’s little time to build a relationship with your physician, to learn about your medical conditions, or to ask questions, let alone build a plan that will keep you well.
In a concierge medical practice, the physician intentionally keeps the practice small. Concierge physicians dedicate their time solely to one patient at a time and keep their schedules light. This ensures each patient has all the time they need. Moreover, physicians make themselves more available to their patients, typically offering 24/7 access for questions and concerns. In addition to this, many offer amenities to make visits comfortable and have on-site services allowing patients to accomplish more in one visit.
How Does Concierge Medicine Work?
Unlike traditional medical practices, in which patients are billed a fee for each and every appointment, as well as itemized costs for each thing done in a visit, a concierge medical practice charges an up-front retainer or membership fee. This gives patients around-the-clock access to their physician, perks like same-day appointments, and generally includes comprehensive wellness checks.
What Happens if I Need Tests?
Oftentimes, these practices have on-site labs, x-ray systems, and more, to ensure their patients receive swift care and fast test results. In the event the facility does not have the ability to perform a test, the physician will ensure that a referral is made to a top-notch diagnostic center.
Can My Physician Still See Me if I’m Hospitalized?
Concierge physicians are like any other in this respect. They work in select hospitals, and can oversee any care provided in a hospital they’re affiliated with.
Can My Insurance Still Be Billed?
Insurance companies will generally not pay for membership to a practice. Aside from this, some practices will bill insurance for individual services, while others only accept cash payments.
How Does Concierge Medicine Work at Dedication Health?
At Dedication Health, our focus is always on our patients. We believe in building real and lasting relationships and in creating wellness plans, so people can live full, healthy lives. Membership includes 24/7 access to a physician, same-day appointments, nutrition advice and more on our app, and all the unrushed time you need with your physician. Moreover, we’ve taken great pride in designing a world-class facility with most everything our patients need under one roof. This includes state-of-the-art technology, such as digital x-rays, a CT scanner, an EKG machine, as well as on-site lab and a coumadin clinic.
Our patients meet with their board-certified physicians in well-appointed suites, complete with slippers and warm blankets. Our valet parking makes visits a breeze, and we have a dedicated coordinator helps make sure all your hospital or specialist visits get scheduled with ease. We’ll also gladly bill your insurance company for tests and procedures when they’re not part of your membership. If you’d like to see if concierge medicine is right for you, contact us via our online form or speak with our practice manager Christine by calling 847-986-6770.