Boutique Medicine

Yesterday, I posted a blog about a recent study that found that half of Primary Care Physicians plan to quit or cut back on the number of patients that they see. I can’t help wondering if those who are considering on cutting back on their patient load are actually switching to a new personalized model of practice referred to as boutique or concierge medicine.

Boutique Medicine involves primary care physicians who provide personalized, upgraded medical services to a limited number of patients who pay an annual fee. 

One advantage for the patient is greater access to their physician utilizing the newest technology at home or on the go. Check out this Outside’s ‘Go Magazine’ article for an extreme example of how concierge medicine can be molded to the patient’s lifestyle.

Other advantages, for those who live more sedate lives, include longer “wait-free” office visits, more emphasis on prevention, same day appointments and sometimes even house calls.

For the pros and cons from the physician perspective, check out this article.

For two examples of concierge medical networks, check out:

MDVIP – that limits practice from the usual 2,000-3,000 patients to 600. 

MD2 – that limits practice to 50 families. 

I’d love to know if any of you have had experience with this type of healthcare. If so, are you a patient or a provider? What has your experience been?

And for those of you who weren’t aware that this type of practice exists, I’d love to hear your opinions too.