Concierge Medicine
How Does Concierge Medicine Work?
Haute MD Editorial Team
Concierge medicine works by replacing the insurance-driven volume model with a direct membership relationship between patient and physician. Patients pay a flat retainer fee, which allows the physician to dramatically reduce panel size, lengthen visits, and offer direct, around-the-clock access. The financial structure is what makes the clinical experience possible.
The mechanics of concierge membership
A patient signs an annual or monthly membership agreement with the practice and pays a retainer directly. That fee funds the practice's operations and frees the physician from insurance reimbursement volume targets, allowing panels of 300–600 patients instead of 2,000–3,000.
How access and scheduling change
Membership typically includes same-day or next-day appointments, visits that routinely run 45–60 minutes, direct phone or secure-message contact with the physician, and 24/7 availability for urgent issues — often including weekends, evenings, and travel coverage.
How care coordination and prevention deepen
Concierge physicians take an active role in coordinating specialist referrals, reviewing outside labs and imaging, communicating with hospitals during admissions, and building individualized preventive plans grounded in advanced diagnostics rather than checkbox screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need health insurance?
Yes — for hospitalization, surgery, specialists, prescriptions, and most outside testing. The retainer covers the physician relationship only.
How quickly can I see my concierge doctor?
Most concierge practices guarantee same-day or next-day appointments for urgent needs and short-notice scheduling for routine visits.
Can I reach my doctor after hours?
Yes. Most concierge practices include direct cell phone or secure messaging access 24/7, with a covering physician when the primary doctor is unavailable.
What happens during the initial visit?
Most practices begin with an extended baseline visit covering complete medical history, lifestyle, family history, expanded labs, and a personalized preventive plan.
Featured Haute MD Physicians
Dr. Alexander Golberg — Concierge & Longevity Medicine — New York, NY
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