How is concierge medicine doing in the recession?

May 24, 2009

Surprisingly well.

Although there are plenty of reports where people are splitting their pills, and delaying elective procedures and preventive care, those who are able to afford concierge medicine aren’t cutting back.

In these cases, health is showing resiliency during these tough economic times, and, “With jobs scarce and stress at a peak, many may see a link between continued health and continued employment. And with savings depleted, they recognize that assiduous preventive care may help them avoid costly chronic conditions and hospitalizations.”

Philippa Kennedy, otherwise known as The Entrepreneurial MD, says that the continued strength of concierge practices is merely a byproduct of a broken medical system, where “harassed, disgruntled physicians [are] not providing the reassurance patients are seeking.”



Related posts:

  1. Concierge medicine: "Quintessentially American"
  2. Concierge medicine
  3. Is concierge medicine partly patient-driven?
  4. Switching to concierge medicine?
  5. Buy a condo, concierge medicine included
  6. Is concierge care really too expensive?
  7. Physician job security in the recession


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{ 3 comments }

1 Dc Observer May 24, 2009 at 2:55 pm

Looking for concierge or retainer physician in Washington DC. Interviewed one who was impressive – but looking around. Downsized his practice from 2600 to 600! Said until he became a concierge he simply didn’t know many of his patients, spent all his time running from exam room to exam room.

2 Avi Flax May 24, 2009 at 2:59 pm

I recently joined Hello Health’s inaugural practice, and I’m very satisfied so far. Not sure it’s exactly “concierge” medicine, since it’s very affordable. But it’s at least a similar model.

3 Kurt Belgard, MD May 24, 2009 at 7:02 pm

For the more reasonably priced models, it can be a very good value. Resources spent on professional time and expertise can save much more in unneeded testing and diagnostic and therapeutic dead-ends.

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