Is Concierge Medicine Worth It?
If you’ve ever sat in a crowded waiting room for an hour only to spend five rushed minutes with your doctor, you’re not alone.
Traditional healthcare can feel impersonal and reactive. Long waits, short visits, and limited access have led many patients to seek a different kind of care—one that’s more personal, more proactive, and more accessible. This need has brought concierge medicine into the spotlight.
Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model. For an annual fee, patients can reach their doctor more easily, have longer appointments, and have a stronger focus on preventative care. But is concierge medicine worth it for everyone?
Let’s take a closer look.
Pros of Concierge Medicine
For many patients, the advantages of concierge medicine go beyond convenience. They represent a return to truly personalized, relationship-based care. Here are some of the most notable benefits that set this model apart.
More Time With Your Doctor
One of the most noticeable advantages is the ability to reach your doctor. Concierge patients can often get same-day or next-day appointments, spend 30–60 minutes with their physician, and communicate directly via phone, text, or email—usually 24/7.
Personalized Care & Relationship
With fewer patients to manage, your doctor can devote more time to you—building a stronger relationship, creating a personalized health plan, and staying ahead of chronic conditions. This approach supports true preventative care and gives your physician the time to act as a dedicated health advocate.
Convenience & Efficiency
From avoiding long waits to receiving more holistic care, the concierge model is designed around your life. It eliminates many of the frustrations common in traditional care, like rushed appointments, delayed scheduling, and difficulty reaching your doctor, while focusing on long-term health and prevention.
The Cons of Concierge Medicine
While concierge care offers a range of benefits, it’s not without its trade-offs. Understanding the potential downsides can help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your needs and budget.
Cost
Concierge practices typically charge an annual membership fee, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars paid out-of-pocket. This is in addition to insurance premiums, deductibles, and co-pays for specialist visits, ER, hospitalizations, or labs. While some services may still be billed through your insurance, the membership fee itself is not usually covered.
Exclusivity & Accessibility
Because concierge physicians limit their patient load, there are fewer spots available. That exclusivity ensures personalized care, but it can also make it harder to become a patient, especially for those who may not be able to afford the fee.
Not an Insurance Substitute
It’s important to note that concierge medicine does not replace your insurance. It enhances your primary care experience but doesn’t cover specialist care, emergency room visits, or hospital stays. You’ll still need insurance for those events.
Who Benefits Most From Concierge Medicine?
Concierge care isn’t one-size-fits-all. But for certain individuals and families, the model offers clear advantages. It tends to be a great fit for:
Individuals with chronic conditions that require close, ongoing management.
Those who value reaching their doctor by phone or email.
Patients committed to proactive, preventative care.
Busy professionals who need flexible scheduling and efficient appointments.
Families looking for a dedicated family doctor to provide continuity of care.
Is Concierge Medicine Right for You?
Concierge medicine provides an opportunity to make healthcare personal again, offering more time, more access, and more individualized care. But it also comes with a financial commitment that won’t be the right fit for everyone.
If you’ve been frustrated by traditional care or are looking for a deeper relationship with your doctor, it may be worth exploring. Take time to weigh the benefits of convenience, a deeper doctor-patient relationship, and personalized care against the costs. It’s a decision that ultimately comes down to your healthcare goals and how much you value time, connection, and preventative care.
Interested in learning more?
Explore our concierge medicine services, learn more about Dr. Beaton, or contact us to schedule a conversation.
