Concierge Medicine

What is wrong with the current traditional system of medicine?

• You have likely experienced it already. The current system does not allow for the doctor to spend enough time with each patient. Why not? Because the current system requires too much time to be spent on non-patient care. Recent studies estimate that at least a half of a doctor's day, or 50% of their time, is required for administrative duties. One study found only 27% of a physician's day is now available to spend with patients in the current system. This translates into doctor-patient visit times of 5-10 minutes on average.

How is good medical care delivered in 5-10 minutes?

• Quite frankly, it's not. There are studies showing that morbidity and mortality is inversely related to the amount of time you get with your doctor. In other words, the less time with your doctor at your visit, the more likely you will be to develop medical problems, the worse your current medical problems may become, and the higher your mortality rate.

Why concierge medicine?

• Quite simply, concierge medicine is the best possible model of medical care for both the patient and the doctor. Patients get better care while the doctor achieves more personal reward and satisfaction. Concierge medicine is very much needed currently in our area.

What makes Concierge different?

• At Men's Health of Parkersburg you are not paying “extra” for the same care that you are accustomed to receiving in a traditional fee for-service practice. You are paying for a unique model of care (the Concierge model) that allows unparalleled access to me as your doctor, and allows me to spend as much time with you in the office as you need. You are hiring me to proactively manage your health, and to engage you more in managing your own health. I may manage your medical problems by phone or email, if appropriate, or have virtual visits by secure video chat, saving you the time it takes to come in for a visit. When you do have appointments, there will be little to no waiting in the office, due to the amount of time allowed for each visit, and the small number of patients in my practice. I have time to explain the diagnostic process for your symptoms, the pros and cons of testing, often saving you the cost of expensive tests or procedures.
• You can reach me during evenings and weekends by text or cell phone, without going through a triage process with an answering service or on-call physician or nurse. You are less likely to need urgent care services because of your access to me. I have the time to explain the pros and cons of medication, and alternatives to medication, keeping the amount of medication to a minimum, saving you the costs and potential side effects of medication. You can see me when injured on the job or in a car accident, because I don't have to worry about having an insurance claim denied in these circumstances.
• So regardless of the cost of your additional insurance coverage, you probably can afford my Concierge practice, just considering all the opportunities for savings discussed above that aren't afforded by a fee-for-service system. In fact, I would argue that you can't afford NOT to have a Concierge physician!

I have insurance. Why should I pay you a monthly membership fee?

• That is one of our favorite questions. As more and more people are discovering each year, having insurance and having access to care are completely different. You are paying for the personalized service that is not available in fee for-service practices.

I usually only see the doctor once or twice a year. Why can't I just pay cash when a visit is needed?

• The Concierge model works to keep the costs down for everyone because everyone is paying every month. This allows the total membership to stay relatively low, which allows for the accessibility, long appointments, and no waiting. Cash fee-for-service results in volume-driven reimbursement, just like traditional practice. When revenue is no longer dependent on high volume, the volume stays low and access remains high. Simply put, the direct care model just doesn't work that way.

What happens when I need labs or X-rays, or if I need to go to an ER, specialist or hospital?

• TSince direct patient care is not an insurance plan, you still need to carry insurance that covers you if you have a high-cost health event or need expensive tests. Whenever you need labs or X rays, or if you have to go to an ER, specialist or hospital, you would use your insurance for those items. If you don't have insurance I can help guide you to the services that are least expensive; there are very affordable options for labs and x rays for those who have no insurance. And your access to me can help ensure that you do not need costly urgent care visits. I also have the time to discuss your care with specialists, and sometimes this can preclude the need to visit the specialist or have an expensive imaging study.