ABSTRACT
The concierge model has produced ideas that have migrated into traditional medical practices. Concierge practices serve as a learning laboratory where clinic operations such as patient flows and enhanced communication are refined. In the HealthTexas Provider Network, when concierge models develop, other practices often adopt many of the techniques. The teamwork philosophy using multiple members of the team has been refined in progressive concierge practices and then spread to the other practices. The concierge movement itself does not get full credit for all of these enhancements, but its presence certainly has wielded an influence. There are indeed innovative initiatives in traditional practices that have evolved, but change is difficult for established models. One challenge in traditional practices is that it is easier to fulfill patient requests than to explain why their requests are not justified. As physicians and patients get to know each other over a number of years, their relationship naturally builds.
