ABSTRACT
Many different concierge models are springing up in health care in America. Direct primary care, "concierge lite," hybrid models, telemedicine health care, and home visitation health care are just a few examples. Certainly, access, cost, and high-quality service will be parameters on which the different models will be judged. Refining the efficiency of caring for patients will minimize patients' desire to leave for concierge models. For physicians who are frustrated or burned out with modern medicine, the more relaxed pace of concierge models may be a good alternative. A concierge practice necessarily entails less work; what it may provide is a different pace and more fulfilling work. Concierge practices allow close, accessible, trusting relationships with a physician, which may facilitate the diagnosis of medical problems and the completion of needed preventive services, and allow opportunities for better outcomes.
