Going to the doctor can be a hassle. From finding an appointment time that works for you, traveling to and from the office, and navigating the insurance process, you might feel that it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Regular medical care should be a priority. It helps detect potential health issues early, which makes for a better prognosis. It’s especially vital if you have a health condition, disease, or take medications.
Concierge medicine is growing by 3 to 6 percent each year. This is an innovative way to “order” medical care, based on your health and needs.
If you’re tired of the traditional way of seeking medical care, a concierge doctor may be just what you’re looking for. A doctor concierge service provides a higher level of care, as well as being more convenient.
Sounds great, right? Before you start doing a Google search for “concierge doctor near me,” it’s a good idea to learn more about the service. This allows you to make an informed decision regarding your medical care.
What is a Concierge Doctor?
A concierge medical service puts the patient at the center of the experience. It allows for a more personable relationship with your doctor and gives you a personalized treatment plan.
This kind of medical practice is on the rise for many reasons. The average length of a doctor visit is more than doubled with concierge services. It also gives you access to medical care any time of the day or night.
Your doctor will help you handle all aspects of your medical care. That includes making appointments, handling prescriptions, and taking care of test results.
In return for these specialized services, you will pay a monthly fee. This fee ensures that you get the personalized care you want and the extra benefits that a concierge doctor provides.
Benefits of Concierge Medicine
There is a range of great reasons to give concierge medicine a try. The main perk is that you have access to medical care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
You’ll also have the advantage of same-day appointments and a team of medical specialists that are familiar with your health status and any conditions you have.
Concierge medicine also offers the convenience of virtual medical visits and no wait times. You’ll also have access to hospital visits if they are necessary for any reason.
Some concierge services also offer extras. That might be nutrition consultations, a personalized wellness program, medical attention when you’re on vacation, annual exams, and priority test results.
If you think a concierge doctor is right for you, keep reading to find out how to find the best one for your medical needs.
Start with an Internet Search for a Concierge Doctor
The first step in locating a concierge doctor is to get a list of contacts. This is as easy as doing a simple internet search. Use terms like “find a concierge doctor near me,” or “best concierge doctors near me.”
This helps you find some doctors to talk to, helping you begin to narrow your search. Once you have a list to get started with, you can use the other tips on this list to eliminate the ones that won’t work and select the one that will.
Research the Practice
Before choosing a doctor, it’s a good idea to research the practice. This ensures that what they have to offer aligns with your goals. Give each of your prospective choices a call to find out more.
Ask about the services they provide and the standards they follow. This will also give you a good sense of the customer service that’s offered.
It’s also a good idea to have a look at the practice’s website. You can read through their information and check out customer reviews and comments. This information will help you decide if you want to proceed with the practice.
Check Credentials
A doctor’s credentials are vital to making sure you’re getting proper care. It’s illegal to practice medicine without the proper certification so it’s important to ask about it.
Board certification tells you that a potential doctor has the proper education, has completed residency, and is certified to practice as a concierge doctor.
You should also make sure your doctor is affiliated with the hospital you’d like to use if it becomes necessary. Another thing you should do is check to make sure a doctor isn’t the subject of any malpractice suits or other disciplinary measures.
Meet the Concierge Doctor
Now that you have a narrowed-down list of potential concierge doctors, you can arrange to meet them. There are many reasons why this is important to the selection process.
Rapport is vital when you are building a relationship with your doctor. You are going to receive better care if you are comfortable with the medical professional that you choose.
An initial meeting allows you to get a feel for the doctor’s style of practicing medicine. This is the ideal time to decide if you have a good rapport. If not, you can move on to the next name on your list.
An in-person meeting with a potential doctor also gives you the chance to ask any questions you might have. This “interview” will give you a lot of insight into what you can expect and also builds on the chance to assess your rapport with the doctor.
Ask about the doctor’s approach, find out about his or her staff, check on the potential for house calls and find out about fees. The answers to these questions, combined with your rapport will help you decide to move ahead.
A Word About Insurance
While concierge medicine may be right for you, you will still need to carry insurance. This is important if you need to be hospitalized or need to visit with a specialist.
Talk to your insurance provider about any special steps you need to take before your sign on for concierge medical care.
It’s More Than Just a “Concierge Doctor Near Me”
You owe it to yourself to have the ideal doctor close by. Whether you’re trying to maintain good health or are seeking treatment for a condition, the right doctor makes all the difference. Seeking out a “concierge doctor near me” is a good first step, but it’s so much more than that. Let us provide you the personalized care you need, whenever you need it.