Future Now
The IFTF Blog
Concierge Medicine: Doctors on Retainer
From www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/2008/07/23/20080723biz-elitedocs0724.html:
Dr. Neil J. Sapin wooed his patients last week with a wine-and-hors d'oeuvres reception at his Glendale office. Next month, the doctor plans an encore bash at Arrowhead Country Club.
Such receptions are an unusual way for a doctor to mingle with patients, but Sapin has an unusual request for his patients. He wants them to pay an annual retainer of $1,500, a fee that will buy these patients better access and more attention from the busy doctor.
Sapin is among a handful of Arizona doctors who are so frustrated with the pressures of being a primary-care physician that they are striking a new, more exclusive path known as concierge medicine. The practice typically involves charging an annual fee in exchange for better access, longer appointments, more emphasis on preventive care and other medical perks.
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"I used to see 18 patients per day, but now I'm up to 24 or 25," Sapin said. "It becomes difficult to give people as much time as I'd like to."
He believes the concierge practice will make his workload more manageable. His traditional practice cared for about 1,600 patients. He expects the concierge practice will have about 500 fee-paying patients, who will have 24/7 access to the doctor via cellphone, e-mail and electronic medical records.
"That will allow me to see fewer patients per day," Sapin said. "I will also have time to stress preventive health and dietary counseling."