What Is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine, also known as membership medicine, retainer-based medicine, or boutique medicine, is a healthcare model where patients pay an annual or monthly fee directly to their physician in exchange for enhanced services and accessibility not typically available in traditional medical practices.
Key Features of Concierge Medicine
- Smaller Patient Panels: Concierge doctors typically care for 300-600 patients versus 2,000-3,000 in traditional practices
- Longer Appointments: 30-60 minutes per visit instead of the typical 7-15 minutes
- Same-Day or Next-Day Appointments: No more waiting weeks to see your doctor
- 24/7 Direct Access: Reach your physician by phone, text, or email
- House Calls: Many concierge practices offer in-home visits
- Comprehensive Preventive Care: Focus on keeping you healthy, not just treating illness
How Does Concierge Medicine Work?
The Membership Model
Patients pay an annual membership fee (typically ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 depending on the level of service) that covers:
- Unlimited access to your physician
- Extended appointment times for thorough evaluations
- Same-day urgent appointments
- Comprehensive annual wellness exams
- Care coordination with specialists
- Preventive health screenings
What's NOT Included
The membership fee typically does not cover:
- Lab work and imaging
- Specialist visits
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Surgical procedures
Most concierge practices still bill insurance for covered services, so your out-of-pocket costs for these items remain similar to traditional care.
Benefits of Concierge Medicine
1. More Time with Your Doctor
In traditional practices, physicians must see 20-30 patients daily to maintain financial viability. This leaves only 7-15 minutes per appointment—barely enough time to address one concern, let alone discuss your overall health goals.
Concierge physicians see fewer patients, allowing for appointments of 30-60 minutes or more. This extra time enables:
- Thorough discussion of your health concerns
- Comprehensive physical examinations
- Time for questions and education
- Development of personalized health plans
2. Same-Day and Next-Day Appointments
When you're sick, you shouldn't have to wait weeks to see your doctor. Concierge medicine guarantees prompt access, often with same-day appointments for urgent matters.
3. 24/7 Direct Access to Your Physician
Have a health question at 10 PM? Worried about a symptom over the weekend? Concierge patients can reach their doctor directly—by phone, text, or email—without going through answering services or waiting for callbacks.
4. Focus on Prevention
With more time and fewer patients, concierge physicians can emphasize preventive care:
- Comprehensive wellness evaluations
- Advanced health screenings
- Lifestyle counseling
- Early detection of health issues
- Personalized prevention strategies
5. Better Health Outcomes
Research suggests that the concierge model leads to:
- Fewer emergency room visits
- Lower hospitalization rates
- Better management of chronic conditions
- Higher patient satisfaction
- Improved quality of life
6. Care Coordination
Your concierge physician serves as the quarterback of your healthcare team:
- Coordinating with specialists
- Ensuring continuity of care
- Managing complex medical situations
- Advocating on your behalf
Who Is Concierge Medicine Right For?
Concierge medicine may be ideal for:
Busy Professionals
- Executives who can't afford to wait for appointments
- Those who value efficiency and accessibility
- People whose time is at a premium
Individuals with Complex Health Needs
- Patients with multiple chronic conditions
- Those requiring frequent medical attention
- People managing complicated medication regimens
Health-Conscious Individuals
- Those prioritizing preventive care
- People committed to optimizing their health
- Individuals seeking comprehensive wellness programs
Seniors and Retirees
- Those who appreciate house calls
- Patients who benefit from longer appointments
- Individuals wanting peace of mind with 24/7 access
Frequent Travelers
- Snowbirds splitting time between locations
- Business travelers needing accessible healthcare
- Those wanting their medical records always available
Concierge Medicine in Boca Raton and South Florida
South Florida, particularly Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, has become a hub for concierge medicine. The region's demographics—affluent retirees, busy executives, and health-conscious residents—align perfectly with the concierge model.
Dr. Ben Soffer's Concierge Practice
Dr. Ben Soffer offers full-scale concierge internal medicine in Boca Raton, serving patients throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida. His practice features:
- Small Patient Panel: Ensuring ample time for each patient
- House Calls: Medical care in the comfort of your home
- 24/7 Availability: Direct access to Dr. Soffer
- Comprehensive Wellness Programs: Focus on prevention and optimization
- Hospital Privileges: Continuity of care during hospitalizations
- Specialist Coordination: Seamless referrals to top specialists
Frequently Asked Questions About Concierge Medicine
Is concierge medicine worth the cost?
For many patients, the investment in concierge medicine pays dividends through:
- Better health outcomes
- Reduced ER visits and hospitalizations
- Time saved with prompt appointments
- Peace of mind from 24/7 access
- Comprehensive preventive care
Does insurance cover concierge medicine?
The membership fee is typically not covered by insurance. However, most concierge practices bill insurance for covered medical services (lab work, procedures, etc.), so your out-of-pocket costs for these services remain similar to traditional care.
Can I keep my current insurance?
Yes. Concierge medicine works alongside your existing insurance. The membership fee covers enhanced access and time with your physician; insurance continues to cover standard medical services.
What happens if I need to see a specialist?
Your concierge physician coordinates specialist referrals, often leveraging professional relationships to expedite appointments with top specialists in the area.
Are concierge doctors better than regular doctors?
Concierge doctors aren't necessarily "better"—they simply have more time to dedicate to each patient. The model allows them to practice medicine the way they were trained, with thorough evaluations and unhurried patient interactions.
Getting Started with Concierge Medicine
If you're considering concierge medicine, here's how to get started:
- Research practices in your area
- Schedule a meet-and-greet to discuss the practice's approach
- Review the services included in the membership
- Ask about the physician's background and philosophy
- Understand the costs and what's included
- Consider your healthcare needs and whether the model fits
Conclusion
Concierge medicine represents a return to the doctor-patient relationship that healthcare was built on—one where your physician knows you, has time for you, and is accessible when you need them. For those who value personalized, comprehensive, and accessible healthcare, concierge medicine offers a compelling alternative to the rushed, fragmented care that has become the norm.
To learn more about Dr. Ben Soffer's concierge medicine practice in Boca Raton, visit drbensoffer.com or call to schedule a consultation.