What Is Concierge Medicine and How is MDVIP a Better Alternative for Health Systems?

Concierge medicine is an umbrella term used to describe a relationship between a patient and physician in which the patient pays an annual or monthly fixed fee. Patients pay the fee for conveniences like same-day appointments and 24/7 physician availability.

To provide those conveniences, most concierge medicine physicians – whether primary care physicians or medical specialists – see fewer patients or set aside days of the week when they see only their concierge service patients. Their practices are subsidized by patient fees, which vary widely.

Concierge Medicine Cost

At the high end, some patients pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to see a physician where all primary care services are covered, and visits are unlimited. Some physicians who practice in these models may have a small number of very wealthy clients.

On the low end, some concierge medical services charge a smaller annual fee — $200 for example — so they can offer same- and next-day appointments. But, patients may not see the same primary care provider. Instead, they may see different doctors or physician extenders like a nurse practitioner. or a different physician. Preventive services are not usually covered by the fee. The services are similar to urgent care.

MDVIP vs. Concierge Medicine

MDVIP-affiliated primary care practices are sometimes compared to concierge models, but MDVIP goes beyond, by focusing more on prevention, early detection and wellness.

• Patients receive a comprehensive panel of preventive screenings and advanced testing not typically covered by commercial insurance or Medicare, nor offered by most concierge physicians.
• The results of this suite of preventative and diagnostic services are used by the doctor and patient to develop a customized wellness plan.
• The annual fee for MDVIP Wellness Program services — ranging between $2,000 and $2,200 a year — is in addition to third-party reimbursement for sick care. And, this proactive, individualized approach to primary care yields improved health outcomes and cost savings.

Improved Outcomes

In fact, the MDVIP program is backed by published studies in peer-reviewed journals. This is an important and measurable difference between MDVIP and most concierge medicine practices showing that physicians in MDVIP-affiliated practices are:

• Delivering more preventive services.
• More effectively managing chronic conditions.
• Identifying more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease. 

A National Network

MDVIP has a national footprint of more than 1,100+ affiliated physicians who can facilitate care for patients who get ill while traveling. Most concierge practices are solo operations. Even concierge medicine companies with multiple physicians may only have providers in a few cities – not across the country. This is important to many patients, but especially for busy traveling executives.

Enhanced Patient-Physician Relationship 

MDVIP-affiliated physicians have more time to get to know patients, which improves both the doctor-patient relationship and health outcomes.

MDVIP satisfaction data supports the ongoing success model:

• 97% of patients are satisfied with their MDVIP-affiliated physician.
• This satisfaction leads to 90%+ of patient retention.
• 96% of physicians are satisfied with their decision to affiliate.

MDVIP goes beyond concierge medicine — it is affordable, personalized healthcare provided by a doctor who has time to truly know each patient. MDVIP delivers advanced prevention and wellness services and conveniences patients are increasingly seeking which are rare in today’s primary care environment.

Expanding your primary care portfolio to include an innovative option like MDVIP drives more choice and value to the patients and communities you serve. With over two decades as the industry leader in membership-based care, health systems are working with MDVIP to integrate our model as a growth strategy that has proven to strengthen patient loyalty, add a new, diversified revenue stream and optimize physicians' careers. Explore the MDVIP opportunity by completing our form or contacting us at 866.479.8709.