All right, this isn’t meant to be a controversial take, but it might be for some: everybody deserves a concierge-type doctor. Let me break down why that is.

If you’re stumbling on this blog and aren’t familiar with our work, I’m Dr. Alex Watson, and my work focuses on getting people ready for major health events like cancer therapies, surgeries, and even performance-based activities such as fitness competitions. I often create content surrounding these topics, so if you find this helpful, please share it with others.

Top 3 Reasons to Consider a Concierge Doctor

1. Personalized Attention:
The primary advantage of having a concierge doctor is having someone in your corner. It's like having a lawyer on retainer—ensuring you have someone to help manage your healthcare needs. Yes, primary care doctors are supposed to play this role, but the effectiveness of this model has been significantly reduced by changes in the insurance landscape over the past few decades.

2. Time to Talk:
Concierge medicine gives you the time to actually discuss your concerns during half-hour or hour-long appointments—unlike those rushed eight-minute consultations. This extra time allows for meaningful conversations, enabling your doctor to address the root causes and tailor treatments specifically for you.

3. A Better Connection:
Finding a doctor who gets you and understands your unique situation is vital. Whether it’s shared interests, background, or specific health needs, a concierge doctor often offers a more personalized experience. This type of connection is crucial for effective healthcare.

The Downside of Insurance-Based Medicine

On the flip side, let’s explore why the current insurance-based medical system is faltering. Administrative tasks have doubled over the years, taking up a third of a physician's time and reducing patient interaction. This focus on paperwork and boxes to tick is not just time-consuming, but also eats into the quality of care provided.

Another issue is defensive medicine. Due to limited appointment times, doctors tend to cover all bases with more tests than needed, a practice that inflates costs unnecessarily. While not the sole reason for soaring healthcare expenses, it certainly doesn't help.

Moreover, there’s the decline in reimbursement rates for doctors, down by about 25% over the last few decades. With less time and lower pay, doctors resort to seeing more patients in short periods, which affects care quality.

Why Concierge Medicine May Be the Solution

Concierge medicine or direct primary care offers an appealing alternative. For a monthly fee, often around $100, you can enjoy more direct access to your doctor and comprehensive care without insurance hassles. Specialty practices may vary, but the goal remains the same: giving you personalized, high-quality care and peace of mind.

This model isn’t about elitism; it’s about ensuring better health outcomes and satisfaction for both patient and provider. It could even save money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary treatments and fostering better overall health. Consider, for example, your bloodwork shows A1c levels in the pre-diabetic range. A primary care doctor will likely tell you to cut sugar and stay active. A concierge doctor would design a personalized diet plan that accommodates your preferences—whether vegetarian, pescatarian, or otherwise—and discuss how strength training improves metabolic health. As you progress, they'd recommend specific exercises that fit your lifestyle and physical limitations, such as knee-friendly workout routines.

Thanks for reading. If you found this helpful, please share so others can learn about these options. Look out for future posts where I’ll dive deep into specific aspects of concierge care.

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