This will be a short TGIF 2 Minutes …on a topic that could take much, much, much longer and can be very, very, very expensive. The topic is healthcare and doctor selection and coverage.
The word, “selection”, is used for a reason. Selecting a Medical Doctor used to be fairly easy. Now, there are less Medical Doctors to go around, they are more expensive, and it seems all the best Medical Doctors have closed their practices. There is a myriad of reasons – beyond the scope of this discussion. Perhaps one of the reasons is outlined below under “concierge medical services”.
Before outlining concierge medicine, it is important to mention that there are other types of medical providers available besides Medical Docs with certifications including Nurse Practitioner (NP) and Physician’s Assistant (PA). At times, the only available medical provider may be an NP or PA. And over recent past decades, medical practices have become Family Medicine providers with teams including MDs, NPs, PAs and Registered (RN) and Licensed Practical (LPN) Nurses.
The old-fashioned and quality relationship between a single Medical Doctor and the patient is almost a thing of the past. In the “new world”, lots of patients prefer or have become accustomed to being served by an NP or PA or team of NPs and PAs in place of the “old” Family Doctor. And that is fine.
But there are situations and patients that require a much more prompt, personal medical touch, and here is where concierge medical services fill a gap. This “other new world” of concierge medicine has developed – and is thriving – and can contain a single Medical Doctor or a team of medical certifications. Or, a Medical Doctor may, on her or his own, form a concierge medical practice.
Concierge medical practices are costly and are paid out-of-pocket by the patient. There can be a “bang for the buck” due to being able to cut through the “red tape” of reaching an actual doctor or getting medical advice quickly and efficiently. Concierge practices aim to be “on call” for paying patients when needed and are meant to give old-fashioned, personal, prompt service and response for both simple and complex medical needs.
That is it for now on the discussion about concierge medicine. Know these medical practices exist (although most readers probably have heard of the concept). Stay healthy and please stay in touch.
This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, tax, legal or accounting advice.