Concierge medicine has been steadily growing in popularity for more than two decades, especially within large healthcare organizations. Despite its increasing presence, misconceptions about how concierge medicine functions in these organizations persist. As a leading provider of a wide range of concierge models, it’s important to clear up these misunderstandings and explain how concierge medicine works, what it is, and how it can thrive within a vertically integrated healthcare system.
Myth 1: Concierge Medicine Is Only for Independent or Solo Practices
A common misconception is that concierge medicine is only viable in solo or private practices. This is far from the truth. Physicians working in large medical groups and healthcare delivery systems can also offer concierge programs, provided the program is structured properly. Concierge Choice Physicians offers a full range of flexible models that can adapt to whatever the goals may be. We offer the conventional full concierge approach and a unique blended Hybrid Choice™ model that allows for the introduction of concierge services, while maintaining the practice and patient base of the physician. The model has proven very popular in healthcare organizations, with many successful implementations.
Myth 2: Concierge Medicine Won’t Appeal to Busy Doctors
In fact, physicians who practice concierge medicine, even for just part of their day in a Hybrid Choice model, report high levels of career satisfaction. So much so that executives at healthcare organizations are using CCP programs as an incentive to recruit new high-quality physicians to their networks and to retain their best and most experienced physicians. Our programs are now an integral part of physician recruitment and retention strategies at many healthcare organizations across the country.
Myth 3: Concierge Medicine Isn’t Compatible with Insurance or Medicare
One of the most common myths about concierge medicine is that it requires physicians to give up third party payer relationships. In reality, most concierge physicians continue to accept insurance plans and government programs. The annual membership fee charged to patients supplements, rather than replaces, the revenue generated from insurance reimbursements.
Myth 4: Concierge Medicine Is Only for the Wealthy
While it is true that concierge care offers premium services, it is not only for the affluent. On average, the cost of concierge care is about $180 per month, making it accessible for many patients who prioritize health and wellness, something that appeals to a broad range of people, not just the wealthy elite.
Myth 5: Concierge Medicine Requires a Restructure of a Physician’s Practice
One of the biggest concerns among healthcare executives is that concierge care will completely overhaul a physician’s practice. However, this is not the case. With CCP’s innovative programs, physicians can maintain the structure and style of their existing practice, while offering a concierge option to patients who want more time and personalized service. This flexibility allows the program to easily integrate into an existing practice. There is no need to dismiss patients or relocate them to a special new office space. Patients can receive concierge care from the doctor they know and trust, in their current office space.
Myth 6: Concierge Medicine Is Limited to Primary Care Providers
Specialists, just like primary care physicians, can successfully offer concierge care to their patients. With CCP’s tailored approach, patients who are seen on an ongoing basis can elect to join a specialist’s program, just like in primary care practices. The flexibility of this model allows specialists to maintain referral relationships and continue seeing new patients for episodic care.
Take a Fresh Look at Concierge Medicine
CCP’s flexible models benefit the overall healthcare organization by increasing physician satisfaction, improving patient relationships and generating lasting new revenue while seamlessly integrating into an overall business structure. As healthcare organizations continue to explore innovative care models, concierge medicine remains a powerful tool to meet the evolving goals of healthcare organizations, physicians and patients. For more information, contact Concierge Choice Physicians at 877.888.5590, answers@ccpmd.com, or visit us at www.ccpmd.com/healthsystems