The field of concierge medicine, also known as retainer medicine
and boutique practice, is coming up on its tenth anniversary.
Begun in 1996 in Seattle, the creation of MD2 kicked off the
provision of the type of high-touch medical service that had
previously only been enjoyed by athletes, dignitaries and
entertainers. The hallmarks of concierge medicine since then
have been limited numbers of patients per doctor combined with
house visits, longer appointments and the type of care that had
been banished from the field of medicine by drastic cost control
measures. Many doctors who have chosen the route of concierge
medicine have done so for the quality of their lives as well as
that of their patients. By limiting the number of patients they
serve through the concierge medicine structure, they are able to
provide the time and attention they always expected they would
when they chose medicine as their profession. Today, most states
have a variety of forms of this type of practice, from single
doctor offices to groups of doctors who have banded together to
provide concierge medicine style services to their patients. Any
doctor who moves to a concierge medicine structure for his
business however, has to go through some difficult procedures
and has to be mindful of significant legislation bounding the
provision of medical services. Since concierge medicine is
predicated on serving a smaller client base, a doctor must first
notify all his or her patients of plans to pare down and move to
an annual fee-based service. Not all patients can afford or
believe in this type of medical service. Next, the doctor must
be very careful that they are not "double billing" for those
services judged to be covered by Medicare. This can include care
for optimum health or health assessment procedures. Some
concierge practices have received unwelcome attention from
Congress, as their annual fees were seen as illegal overcharges
to the patient.
What is the difference between healthcare advocacy firms like
PinnacleCare and concierge medical practices? It's important to
understand that patient healthcare advocacy firms differ from
concierge medicine practices in a number of ways. First and
foremost, concierge medical practices practice medicine. They
are primary-care practices that provide care to a limited number
of patients for an annual fee. Referrals, when needed, typically
are limited to the doctors' personal referral network. Also,
concierge medicine services, by necessity, tend to be confined
to a specific geographical location.
Patient advocacy and healthcare advocacy firms such as
PinnacleCare International not provide medical care but do
provide healthcare management. PinnacleCare is staffed by former
health-care administrators, nurses, social workers, etc., who
manage all aspects of the health affairs of its Member families.
This includes researching medical centers, doctors and treatment
options; arranging for timely access to top physicians; handling
all details related to appointment scheduling; organizing the
Members' medical records and history; providing global resources
on a 24/7 basis; and, in general, advocating what's best for
each and every Member. Some of PinnacleCare's Members are
clients of concierge medicine practices. Here, the doctor works
in conjunction with PinnacleCare to make sure their mutual
clients receive the very best care possible.
About the author:
To learn more about PinnacleCare services, its PinnacleCare
Advocates and read more Member testimonials, please visit;
www.PinnacleCare.com
