Comments on: Concierge Medicine - The Future or the Past? http://brainblogger.com/2008/06/21/concierge-medicine-the-future-or-the-past/ Topics from multidimensional biopsychosocial perspectives. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:26:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Steph http://brainblogger.com/2008/06/21/concierge-medicine-the-future-or-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-229470 Steph Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:27:16 +0000 http://brainblogger.com/?p=1054#comment-229470 I use concierge medicine, as I have a quite rare, complex genetic condition. I've found that it is an invaluable investment for my situation. I think the elitist criticism is a real, serious concern. I would love to see some of the management companies taking the initiative to do their part to mitigate this issue. For instance, my doctor has limited his practice to 600 patients. I'd be willing to consider switching companies if there was one that limited the practice to 500 concierge patients and 100 patients who were unable to afford the service. Additionally, I believe that whatever the ultimate outcome, the emphasis being put on healthcare and the growing issues involved will have a positive impact on the current circumstances. I use concierge medicine, as I have a quite rare, complex genetic condition. I’ve found that it is an invaluable investment for my situation.

I think the elitist criticism is a real, serious concern. I would love to see some of the management companies taking the initiative to do their part to mitigate this issue. For instance, my doctor has limited his practice to 600 patients. I’d be willing to consider switching companies if there was one that limited the practice to 500 concierge patients and 100 patients who were unable to afford the service.

Additionally, I believe that whatever the ultimate outcome, the emphasis being put on healthcare and the growing issues involved will have a positive impact on the current circumstances.

]]> By: Jason http://brainblogger.com/2008/06/21/concierge-medicine-the-future-or-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-228747 Jason Tue, 24 Jun 2008 01:17:37 +0000 http://brainblogger.com/?p=1054#comment-228747 It is an interesting alternative or supplement to the idea of universal health care. I think that this is a logical extension of market segmentation, but I think when applied to health-care (and not airline tickets) it could be viewed as elitist. It's an interesting idea, though, and worth a shot. It is an interesting alternative or supplement to the idea of universal health care. I think that this is a logical extension of market segmentation, but I think when applied to health-care (and not airline tickets) it could be viewed as elitist. It’s an interesting idea, though, and worth a shot.

]]> By: Steven D. Knope, M.D. http://brainblogger.com/2008/06/21/concierge-medicine-the-future-or-the-past/comment-page-1/#comment-227652 Steven D. Knope, M.D. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:06:31 +0000 http://brainblogger.com/?p=1054#comment-227652 Dr. Surve is correct about the benefits of concierge medicine - benefits experienced by both the patient and the doctor. I opened one of the first concierge practices in this country 8 years ago. I've just written the first book to be published on the subject, "Concierge Medicine, A New System to Get the Best Healthcare" (Greenwood/Praeger, May 2008). Though there are controversies, concierge medicine is now available for the middle class and is quite affordable in many areas. Most of the arguments against concierge medicine fall apart under scrutiny. I have an entire chapter in my book devoted to this issue. Concierge medicine is driven by patient dissatisfaction over our present fast-food medical model of HMOs, PPOs and a failing Medicare system. Patients love the time they have with their concierge doctors. Doctors love having the time to do what they were trained to do. Unless primary care medicine becomes more attractive to young doctors, by implementing models such as concierge medicine, no one will opt for a career in internal medicine, family practice or pediatrics and the shortage of primary care doctors will only worsen. Steven D. Knope, M.D. Dr. Surve is correct about the benefits of concierge medicine - benefits experienced by both the patient and the doctor. I opened one of the first concierge practices in this country 8 years ago. I’ve just written the first book to be published on the subject, “Concierge Medicine, A New System to Get the Best Healthcare” (Greenwood/Praeger, May 2008). Though there are controversies, concierge medicine is now available for the middle class and is quite affordable in many areas. Most of the arguments against concierge medicine fall apart under scrutiny. I have an entire chapter in my book devoted to this issue.

Concierge medicine is driven by patient dissatisfaction over our present fast-food medical model of HMOs, PPOs and a failing Medicare system. Patients love the time they have with their concierge doctors. Doctors love having the time to do what they were trained to do. Unless primary care medicine becomes more attractive to young doctors, by implementing models such as concierge medicine, no one will opt for a career in internal medicine, family practice or pediatrics and the shortage of primary care doctors will only worsen.

Steven D. Knope, M.D.

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