Health systems and concierge care
Healthcare is a hot topic in the U.S., with healthcare reform being one of the most talked-about topics. As healthcare costs have risen, healthcare concierge services are becoming more popular because they offer an alternative to traditional healthcare for those who can afford it. Concierge medicine is also known as "retainer-based" or "concierge care." People pay for these services monthly and will have unlimited office visits with their doctor without copays or other charges, direct care from their doctor, and access to their phone line so they can call at any time day or night for medical questions and conduct simple diagnostic tests done in-home.
Membership Cost
It's difficult to determine the average cost of concierge medicine because there is a wide range in membership rates, from $1,200 to as much as $10,000 per year. The typical yearly cost of concierge healthcare is between $1,500 and $2,500. Some membership allow you to pay monthly or quarterly rather than in one big lump sum. As a result, you may make automatic credit card payments or withdrawals ranging from $100 to $250 per month on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Pandemic Impact
The COVID epidemic changed the course of concierge care in the United States, and its effects can be worrying. This pandemic may impact the physician shortage as "the great resignation" continues, and we may see more exits with physician burnout. Prepandemic, there has already been a shortage of physicians choosing to practice primary care. If those physicians who choose primary care elect to practice in models such as concierge care, then you could see how that would exacerbate a shortage.
What's next
The growing popularity of urgent care visits has motivated several businesses in the field. By providing a personalized touch and the feeling of being seen by a doctor with a price, the concierge care model takes it to another level.
Health systems exploring their population health, home care, and hospital at home strategy may need to rethink operationally how to incorporate the concierge medical concept and bring that into the organization. Another thought is that the concierge healthcare market is growing. It could be a viable partnership solution for healthcare systems.
