Is Concierge Medicine Worth the Cost? A Doctor's Honest Answer

The most common question I get asked isn't about symptoms or lab results. It's this:

"Is concierge medicine worth the money?"

It's a fair question. You're already paying for health insurance. Now someone's asking you to pay a monthly fee on top of that. I get why people hesitate. So here's an honest answer from someone who left a traditional practice to build a concierge one.

What Does Concierge Medicine Actually Cost?

Nationally, concierge medicine fees range from $100 to $500+ per month, depending on the practice. Here's what influences the price:

• Panel size: The fewer patients, the higher the fee. A doctor with 600 patients charges less than one with 50.
• Services included: Some practices include labs and basic procedures. Others charge the fee for access only.
• Location: Practices in major metros and affluent areas tend to charge more.
• Physician experience: Board certifications, specializations, and hospital affiliations factor in.

What Does the Fee Cover?

In my practice, the membership fee covers access and time — the two things traditional medicine can't give you:

Access

• Direct cell phone and text access to your doctor
• 24/7 availability — nights, weekends, holidays
• Same-day and next-day appointments guaranteed
• No hold music, no callback from staff, no patient portal runaround

Time

• 30 to 60 minute appointments (vs. the industry average of 7 minutes)
• 60 to 90 minute annual physicals
• Time to actually listen, think, and explain
• Proactive follow-up — I call you, not the other way around

Coordination

• Specialist referral management
• Hospital and ER accompaniment when needed
• Lab and imaging coordination
• Prescription management

House Calls

• In-home visits throughout Palm Beach County
• No additional fee for house calls
• Same-day house calls for urgent needs

What the Fee Does NOT Cover

Let me be clear about what's not included:

• Lab work and imaging: These are billed through your insurance
• Specialist visits: Your insurance covers specialist appointments
• Hospitalizations: Insurance handles hospital stays
• Prescriptions: Filled through your pharmacy with insurance

The membership fee is not a replacement for health insurance. It's an investment in access and quality.

The Math That Makes It Click

Here's how I explain it to patients who are on the fence:

The average American spends $12,500/year on healthcare (premiums, deductibles, copays, prescriptions). For that money, you get:

• A doctor who sees 2,500 patients
• 7-minute appointments
• 3-4 week waits
• A nurse line after hours

Add a concierge membership, and for a fraction of what you already spend, you get:

• A doctor who sees 50 patients
• 30-60 minute appointments
• Same-day availability
• Your doctor's cell phone number

The question isn't whether you can afford concierge medicine. The question is whether you can afford not to have a doctor who has time for you.

Who Is Concierge Medicine Right For?

In my experience, the patients who get the most value are:

1. Busy professionals who need flexibility and can't wait weeks for an appointment
2. People with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid) who need regular monitoring and proactive management
3. Older adults who want a physician who knows their full history and can coordinate complex care
4. Families who want one doctor they can call for everything
5. People who value prevention over waiting until something goes wrong
6. Snowbirds who need consistent medical care during the winter months

Who Is It NOT Right For?

I'll be honest: concierge medicine isn't for everyone.

• If you rarely see a doctor and are generally healthy in your 20s-30s, you may not need this level of access.
• If you're looking for someone to just refill prescriptions without comprehensive care, a traditional practice may be fine.
• If cost is a genuine hardship, the fee adds up. There's no shame in choosing a good traditional doctor.

The Bottom Line

Concierge medicine is worth the cost if you value:

• Access: Being able to reach your doctor when you need them
• Time: Having a doctor who actually listens
• Prevention: Catching problems before they become emergencies
• Continuity: A doctor who knows you, your history, and your goals

It's not for everyone. But for the right patient, it's the best healthcare decision you'll ever make.

Want to Learn More?

I'm happy to have a no-pressure conversation about whether concierge medicine makes sense for you. No hard sell. Just an honest discussion.

Call or text: 561-468-6981 Email: doc@drbensoffer.com Learn more: Schedule a consultation