ABSTRACT

A critical aspect of the culture in a context such as a concierge medicine practice, where a relatively small number of people must work closely together on an ongoing basis, is demonstrating respect and appreciation for colleagues and all team members. In concierge medicine, there is usually ample time to discuss all issues that patients bring to the appointment. Even though time constraints are less of a problem in concierge models, prompting patients can still be worthwhile. The adaptation can be challenging for last-minute appointments, even in the context of the less hectic concierge medicine schedule. The pace of concierge medicine offers more opportunities for conversation, but there is more to conveying concern and understanding than just patiently listening. The skill set of the physician also plays a role here. It may be difficult to ascertain, but a good concierge physician has advanced skills in diagnosis and treatment.