Uncovering Surprising Reasons So Many Doctors are Going Concierge
The healthcare landscape is evolving, and many physicians, particularly those of us in family medicine, are shifting towards concierge medicine. Having spent 21 years in family practice, along with extensive experience in emergency medicine, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers. The growing complexities of insurance, overwhelming patient loads, and reduced time with each individual have led to a dramatic decline in personalized care. These factors are driving many doctors to adopt a concierge model, where we can truly prioritize the well-being of our patients.
In my practice at Magnolia Collective Health, I chose to make this shift not only to benefit my patients but also to enhance the quality of care I provide. The focus is now on building stronger relationships, offering more personalized attention, and creating a healthcare experience where patients feel valued and heard. In this article, I’ll explore why so many doctors are turning to concierge medicine and how this model is better for both physicians and patients alike.
A Broken System That Is Failing Patients
The traditional healthcare model has grown increasingly cumbersome for physicians and patients. With insurance companies dictating care, requiring extensive administrative work, and limiting appointment times, doctors are forced to see more patients in less time. According to a 2018 survey, primary care physicians typically manage over 2,000 patients each, with visits often limited to 15 minutes or less . This is simply not enough time to fully address the complexities of an individual’s health. The pressure to keep up with overwhelming patient loads often leads to physician burnout, a crisis that affects nearly 42% of doctors according to a recent Medscape report.
I’ve seen the repercussions of this system while working in family practice and the ER. Patients often leave appointments feeling frustrated because their questions go unanswered, or they aren’t given the opportunity to fully explain their concerns. Additionally, important follow-ups can get lost in the shuffle. Physicians are equally frustrated, as we want to spend more time with each patient, but the structure of traditional medicine makes it nearly impossible.
So, what is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model in which patients pay an annual or monthly fee for more direct access to their physician. The number of patients a concierge doctor sees is significantly reduced, often ranging from 300 to 600 patients compared to the typical 2,000 in a conventional practice . This smaller patient panel allows for longer, more in-depth appointments and direct communication between doctor and patient via phone, email, or text.
For my own practice, the concierge model has allowed me to give my patients the kind of care they deserve. I’m not rushing from one exam room to the next. Instead, I have the time to delve deeper into their medical histories, address multiple concerns in one visit, and focus on preventative care. This model of care is appealing to many doctors because it returns to the roots of medicine: forming meaningful relationships with patients and providing care that’s both thorough and thoughtful.
There are several key reasons why doctors like myself are leaving traditional medicine for concierge care:
For patients, concierge medicine provides several distinct advantages:
Is concierge medicine the future?
Well, it is growing in popularity, and for good reason. It’s estimated that by 2025, the number of concierge practices in the U.S. could double from current levels. With patient satisfaction scores rising and more physicians looking for alternatives to the broken system, concierge medicine may become a key solution in addressing the shortcomings of the current healthcare model.
For physicians, the decision to go concierge is not just about improving patient care—it’s about preserving our passion for medicine and ensuring that we can continue to practice in a way that aligns with our values. For patients, it’s an opportunity to receive healthcare that is truly personalized, proactive, and designed with their best interests in mind.
As I reflect on my own journey through medicine, from the chaos of the emergency room to the joys of family practice, the transition to concierge medicine feels like a natural progression. It allows me to focus on what matters most: my patients. In a world where healthcare often feels impersonal and rushed, concierge medicine brings humanity back to the doctor-patient relationship.
At Magnolia Collective Health, we believe that every patient deserves the highest level of care, attention, and support. The concierge model is not just an alternative—it’s a return to what medicine should be.
This article provides a broad overview of why physicians, including myself, are turning to concierge medicine. The model benefits both patients and doctors by fostering stronger relationships, improving health outcomes, and offering a more sustainable approach to healthcare. For more information, visit us at magnoliacollectivehealth.com.