Traditional healthcare feels broken for many people. You wait weeks for appointments, spend hours in waiting rooms, then get rushed visits that feel more like assembly lines than actual care.
If this sounds familiar, you might wonder whether concierge medicine could be a better fit.
When searching for a “concierge doctor near me,” you’re looking for something different – personalized attention, easier access, and a doctor who actually knows your story.
The decision to switch isn’t just about convenience. It’s about getting the healthcare you deserve.
Research shows that concierge medicine patients report 90% satisfaction rates compared to 67% in traditional healthcare. But how do you know when it’s time to make the switch?
Your Doctor Rushes Through Appointments
Traditional doctors see around 20 patients daily and manage over 2,000 patients total. That leaves about 10-15 minutes per appointment – barely enough time to address your concerns properly.
In many traditional primary care practices, physicians are responsible for 2,000 or more patients, which often means appointments are brief and impersonal, typically lasting only 10 to 15 minutes.
If your appointments feel like a checklist rather than a conversation, that’s a red flag. Maybe your doctor cuts you off mid-sentence or seems distracted by their computer screen.
Concierge doctors typically see 400 to 500 patients instead of 2,000, giving you 30-minute or longer appointments that feel personal, not rushed.
When you can’t finish explaining your symptoms or asking questions, you’re not getting the care you need.
Concierge doctors limit their patient panels specifically so they can spend more time with each person. Your health concerns deserve more than a few rushed minutes.
You Can’t Get Appointments When You Need Them
A survey of 15 large US metropolitan areas found it takes an average of about 24.1 days to see a family medicine practitioner. That’s over three weeks when you’re dealing with a health concern that could worsen while you wait.
Traditional healthcare scheduling feels like playing the lottery. You call on Monday morning hoping for a same-week appointment, only to be told the next opening is in three weeks. By then, your concern might have resolved on its own or gotten much worse.
Concierge medicine flips this completely. Most concierge practices offer same-day or next-day appointments for sick visits. Dr. Tagdiri offers same-day or next-day appointments for his concierge patients, meaning you can get timely care when it matters most. When you’re paying for access, you actually get it.
| Traditional Healthcare | Concierge Medicine |
| 24+ day wait times for appointments | Same-day or next-day availability |
| Limited office hours | Extended hours and 24/7 access |
| Rushed 10-15 minute visits | 30-60+ minute appointments |
You Need Better Care Coordination
Managing multiple specialists, test results, and treatment plans can feel overwhelming when you’re doing it alone. In traditional healthcare, you often become your own case manager – tracking referrals, following up on lab results, and making sure all your doctors know what others are doing.
This fragmented approach can be dangerous. Important information gets missed when no one is looking at the big picture of your health.
When care is fragmented, it’s easy for important information to be missed. And without someone actively coordinating your care, your health can suffer.
Concierge doctors act as your healthcare quarterback. They coordinate specialist referrals, review all your test results personally, and make sure your entire care team is on the same page.
Concierge doctors often handle specialist referrals for you and coordinate your care across your entire health team. This saves you time and helps reduce the frustration of navigating the healthcare system on your own.
You Want 24/7 Access to Your Doctor
Medical concerns don’t follow business hours. That chest pain at 2 AM, the concerning rash that appears on Thursday evening, or flu symptoms that hit on Sunday afternoon – these situations leave you wondering whether to wait until Monday or head to an expensive emergency room.
With concierge medicine, you have direct access to a doctor anytime whether it’s late at night, early morning, or the weekend.
This can help avoid unnecessary ER visits and gives you peace of mind, knowing you can speak to a doctor in real-time no matter when a health concern arises.
Traditional healthcare leaves you with few options during off-hours. Urgent care centers might be closed.
Emergency rooms are expensive and time-consuming for non-emergencies.
Concierge medicine gives you a direct line to your doctor whenever you need guidance.
You Have Chronic Conditions That Need Regular Monitoring
If you’re managing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or other chronic conditions, you need more than occasional check-ins.
You need a doctor who understands your condition deeply and can adjust your treatment plan based on small changes in your health.
Many people who use concierge medicine need frequent medical attention but don’t require a lot of specialist visits — for example, if you have a chronic condition that your primary doctor manages, such as asthma or high blood pressure.
Traditional healthcare often treats chronic conditions reactively – adjusting medications after problems arise rather than preventing them.
Concierge medicine focuses on proactive management, with regular monitoring and early intervention to keep you healthier longer.
You’re Frustrated with Poor Communication
Communication problems aren’t just annoying – they’re dangerous. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, ineffective communication between doctors and patients has been linked to reduced treatment adherence, higher rates of medical errors, and even serious complications like misdiagnosis or incorrect medication use.
Maybe your doctor doesn’t explain things clearly, rushes through your questions, or leaves you confused about next steps. In traditional practices, time pressure often prevents thorough explanations and discussions.
Concierge medicine prioritizes communication. With longer appointment times and direct access between visits, you can get answers to your questions when you need them. Your doctor has time to explain your condition, treatment options, and what to expect.
Your Current Doctor Left or Retired
Doctor turnover disrupts continuity of care. When your longtime physician leaves, you’re not just losing a familiar face – you’re losing someone who understood your health history, preferences, and concerns.
Starting over with a new doctor in the traditional system means rushed appointments where you have to rebuild that relationship from scratch.
A new physician won’t automatically know your preferences, your family history, or the context behind past decisions. This kind of transition is a chance to think more intentionally about what you want moving forward.
This disruption creates an opportunity to consider concierge medicine. Instead of settling for another rushed relationship in traditional healthcare, you can choose a model that prioritizes the doctor-patient relationship from day one.
Making the Switch: What to Consider
Concierge medicine isn’t right for everyone. Most concierge practices charge between $2,000 and $5,000 per year per adult, but in luxury practices in major metro areas, annual fees can climb north of $10,000.
This is an out-of-pocket expense not covered by health insurance.
The investment makes sense if you value personalized attention, immediate access, and proactive healthcare.
It’s particularly beneficial for people with chronic conditions, those who travel frequently, or anyone frustrated with traditional healthcare’s limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concierge medicine?
Answer: Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model where you pay an annual fee (usually $2,000–$5,000 per adult) to get personalized, accessible care. This gives you longer appointments, same-day or next-day scheduling, 24/7 access, and better coordination with specialists.
How is concierge medicine different from traditional healthcare?
Answer: Traditional doctors typically see 2,000+ patients and have 10–15 minute visits. Concierge doctors limit their patient panels to 400–500 people, offering 30–60+ minute appointments, direct access to your physician, and proactive care instead of rushed visits.
How much does concierge medicine cost?
Answer: Most practices charge $2,000–$5,000 per year per adult. In major cities or luxury practices, fees can exceed $10,000 annually.
Does insurance cover concierge medicine?
Answer: No. The annual fee is out-of-pocket. However, it often covers enhanced access, care coordination, and longer appointments. You’ll still need insurance for hospitalizations, surgeries, or specialist care.
Is concierge medicine worth the money?
Answer: If you value personalized care, immediate access, and proactive health management, it can be worth the investment — especially if you have chronic conditions or travel frequently.
Will I really get same-day or next-day appointments?
Answer: Yes. Concierge practices keep their patient panels small so they can offer same-day or next-day visits for urgent concerns. You’re paying for access — and you get it.
Can I contact my doctor outside office hours?
Answer: Yes. Concierge medicine typically includes 24/7 direct access to your doctor by phone, text, or email. This helps you avoid unnecessary ER or urgent care visits.
Will my concierge doctor handle specialist referrals?
Answer: Yes. Concierge physicians act as your “healthcare quarterback,” coordinating referrals, reviewing test results, and ensuring all your providers are on the same page.
Does concierge medicine replace my insurance?Answer: No. It supplements it. You still use insurance for hospital stays, specialist visits, or procedures, but your concierge physician manages and coordinates your overall care.
