What Is Concierge Medicine, and Is It Worth It?

Aug 25

3 min read

Updated: Oct 15

Concierge medicine is a primary care model where you pay your doctor's practice a membership fee in exchange for more time, easier access & more personal care. Whether it's worth it depends on your health, your budget & how much you value time with your doctor. Here's how it works & how to decide.

How Concierge Medicine Works

In a traditional practice, a primary care doctor often cares for 2,000 or more patients. Appointments are short, and getting in can take weeks.

Concierge practices keep their patient panels much smaller. A national survey published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found a median of 400 patients per concierge physician, compared with 2,000 for traditional primary care physicians. The data is older, but the core idea hasn't changed: fewer patients means more time for each one.

That extra capacity usually shows up as:

Longer visits, often 30 to 60 minutes
Same or next-day appointments
Direct communication with your physician by text, portal message or phone
Care coordination with your specialists
A focus on prevention, not just sick visits

Who Concierge Medicine Is Worth It For

Manage a chronic or complex condition, like diabetes, an autoimmune disorder, or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS or MCAS

See several specialists & need someone to coordinate them
Feel rushed or unheard in short appointments
Have trouble reaching your doctor when something comes up
Want a long-term relationship with a physician who knows your full history

When It May Not Be the Right Fit

Concierge medicine isn't for everyone, and that's okay.

If your health needs are simple & your current doctor works well for you, traditional primary care may be all you need.
If the monthly fee would strain your budget, your insurance-based primary care is still valuable care.
If you're on Medicare or Medicaid, some concierge practices, including PICM, can't accept you as a member. Ask before you enroll.

The right question isn't whether concierge medicine is worth it for everyone. It's whether it's worth it for you.

How PICM Does Concierge Care

Phoenix Integrative Concierge Medicine is a physician-led practice in Arcadia, led by two board-certified family physicians. Members get comprehensive primary care, extended visits, same or next-business-day appointments (subject to availability) & direct messaging with their physician. Our physicians also bring added focus to EDS, POTS & MCAS.

Not ready to commit? Start with a one-time à la carte visit to meet your physician first. See membership options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need health insurance?

Yes. Concierge membership covers your primary care, but not specialists, imaging, most lab work, hospital care or emergencies. Keep your insurance for those.

Is concierge medicine the same as direct primary care?

They're related but different. Both charge a recurring fee, but direct primary care typically costs less & focuses on primary care basics, while concierge medicine usually offers broader access & services. Learn more in our FAQ.