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What is California Concierge MD?

California Concierge MD is a resource and blog for physicians who have made or are considering making the change to concierge medicine in California. Concierge medicine (also known as personalized medicine, boutique medicine, retainer medicine, VIP healthcare, direct practices, etc.) is a fifteen year old phenomenon that is gaining in popularity and acceptance.

So, what is Concierge Medicine? Concierge Medicine is a term used to describe a primary care practice in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer to the physician. This may or may not be in addition to other charges. In exchange for the retainer, physicians provide enhanced care and services, usually including same day appointments that start on time, extended 30-45 minute appointments, comprehensive wellness and preventative care, after-hour availability, and even house calls.

Because time is the physician’s most precious commodity, Concierge physicians care for fewer patients than in a conventional practice—typically concierge doctors manage 500 patients as opposed to 3000 patients in conventional primary care practices. Annual fees vary widely, from $500 to $75,000 per year for an individual—fees typically range between $1,500 to $3,000 per year. Some concierge practices do not accept insurance of any kind. It should be noted that this annual fee is not a substitute for medical insurance, and generally does not cover consultations outside the practice, laboratory procedures, medicines, hospitalizations or emergency care from other providers.

Physicians who have been in practice for at least eight years, have at least 1,800 active patients, demonstrate exceptional clinical skills and have exceptional personalities should consider converting to the concierge model. Physicians who make this change often do so for the following reasons:

  • They want a less hectic schedule
  • They want to be rewarded financially for their hard work
  • They want to provide the best possible care to their patients
  • They want to work with patients who value their health and value their doctors
  • They want to focus my efforts on practicing medicine not business
  • They want to be a part of an elite team.


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