Ever wondered why you would need a concierge doctor if you're perfectly healthy?
Is it worth the cost? What benefits could justify the expense for someone who never gets sick?
These are common questions that many people have when considering concierge medicine. At first glance, it might seem like an unnecessary luxury, especially if you rarely find yourself at the doctor's office. However, concierge medicine offers significant benefits that go beyond just treating illnesses.
As a concierge medicine practice, we've talked to thousands of people for over 20 years about these benefits.
In this article, we'll explore five compelling reasons concierge medicine can be a game-changer for healthy individuals.
From providing instant access to healthcare and preventive care to personalized attention and early detection of potential health issues, you'll learn how a concierge doctor can help you maintain and even enhance your well-being.
Whether you're a busy professional, a parent managing a hectic household, or someone simply looking to invest in long-term health, concierge medicine offers valuable advantages that can make a real difference in your life.
Life is busy. Squeezing a doctor’s appointment into your schedule can be nearly impossible when you have to plan three weeks out and count on a 30-minute wait in the lobby and a 20-minute wait in the exam room.
The access you get with a concierge doctor means you get efficient care, without the hassle of squeezing it into your schedule.
Feel the flu coming on? Having trouble shaking that sinus congestion?
Talk to your doctor on the phone, discuss what’s happening, and they can often treat you over the phone.
If you do need to come in, you can count on an appointment being available either the same day or the day after, and you know you won’t waste time waiting to see your doctor.
Because concierge doctors see fewer patients than traditional primary care doctors, they spend more time with each patient. Most concierge providers offer appointments that last at least 30 minutes and physicals that go above and beyond the traditional annual physical.
At a traditional primary care office, you might get 10-15 minutes with your doctor each appointment.
The extra time you get with your doctor at a concierge practice gives you the time to discuss not only what might be ailing you at that moment, but also what your long-term goals might be.
There are things you can be doing right now, while healthy, to help you meet those goals down the line.
With a concierge doctor, you’ll have the time to develop a plan to stay healthy for the long term. It is one of the main reasons why patients choose concierge medicine.
With more time to spend with your concierge doctor, you can do a deep dive into your family and medical history.
You may be healthy now, but what are your risk factors based on your family history? What medical issues have you had in the past that might crop back up in the future?
Most concierge medicine practices offer more advanced physicals and health screenings than the traditional primary care practice. That’s part of what can be included in your concierge medicine membership.
You might think you’re completely healthy, but advanced tests could reveal something different.
By paying for concierge medicine when healthy, you’ll be investing in the best in early detection and prevention to help you stay that way, which costs you less in the long run.
While you may feel completely healthy, it’s rare for an entire family to be the same way. Maybe you have young children, and young children can be germ magnets. Or maybe you are the caregiver for your aging parents. Or perhaps it’s just you and your spouse.
Whatever your family situation, choosing the same concierge doctor for your whole family allows for better-informed care on the doctor’s end and more efficiency in your life.
Whether it’s your children, your parents, or your spouse, you have just one number to call and one place for all your medical records.
And when you call, your doctor will truly know you and your family. They’ll understand your family’s lifestyle, goals, and history.
So whether you’re suddenly dealing with the flu, allergies, a skin rash, or something more serious, having a concierge doctor even when you feel completely healthy can be a big benefit when it comes to managing a family.
You’re only healthy until you’re not. You may feel great right now, but things can change quickly. Concierge medicine gives you and your doctor more time to look for root causes and work to prevent illnesses from developing down the line.
But just like any kind of insurance, waiting until you need it to get on board can be a problem.
Paying for concierge medicine, and the benefits that it provides, when you’re healthy can help you ward off future costly health problems you don’t see coming right now.
By paying the cost of concierge medicine while you’re young and healthy, you get the best in prevention and early detection to try to prevent the more costly healthcare bill later in life.
Now that you've discovered the significant benefits of concierge medicine, even for healthy individuals, you might be wondering how to get started.
Investing in concierge medicine is not just about having a doctor when you're ill; it's about proactive, personalized healthcare that keeps you at your best.
1. Find a concierge doctor near you: Begin by locating a concierge doctor in your area. This first step ensures you have access to the comprehensive care and benefits discussed.
2. Compare your options: Look at different concierge practices to find one that best suits your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as services offered, patient reviews, and membership costs.
3. Get a personalized quote: Understand the financial aspect by getting a personalized quote. This will help you see how concierge medicine fits into your budget while providing exceptional value for your health.
At PartnerMD, we offer personalized concierge care across multiple locations including Richmond, VA; Midlothian, VA; Short Pump, VA; Owings Mills, MD; McLean, VA; Greenville, SC; and Sandy Springs, GA. You can explore our list of concierge doctors in each of these offices here.
Ready to take the next step and learn more about concierge medicine? Download our free Understanding Concierge Medicine ebook.