Concierge medicine—also known as concierge care, boutique medicine—is membership-based healthcare that pairs exclusive, personalized care with accessibility and convenience.
For a flat monthly or annual fee, you get unlimited office and telehealth visits that last as long as you need, as well as direct care from a doctor without worrying about copays and other charges. You also gain access to your doctor for medical questions and simple diagnostic and blood tests in their office. And if you have a major health problem, your doctor coordinates specialist referrals and/or hospital care as needed. With concierge medicine, there’s no insurance or corporate health system interference—just doctors and patients.
“The concierge concept is appealing for both primary care physicians and their patients. Doctors get frustrated with government restraints and insurance. There are administrative burdens, so doctors are burnt out and unhappy. Concierge Medicine sounds attractive because you can get back to doing what you love to do”.
~Michelle Becker MD
Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Primary Care
In Naples, new patients typically wait an average of 24 days to secure an appointment with a traditional primary care physician. This is often due to large patient panels, where physicians may manage up to 4,000 individuals and see up to 40 patients daily, often for only 15 minutes.
Dr. Michelle Becker, founder of DCCM, highlights the inefficiencies of this system, where volume takes precedence over time spent with patients. At DCCM, the concierge model focuses on a more personalized approach, with smaller patient panels, same-day appointments, and extended visits that prioritize comprehensive care and trust-building. Dr. Becker limits her practice to no more than 150 patients, ensuring each one receives the time and attention needed for a meaningful, patient-centered experience.
The Pros and Cons of Concierge Medicine
Concierge medicine offers notable benefits but also has some drawbacks.
Pros:
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- 24/7 access to your physician.
- Same-day or next-day appointments with no waiting.
- Comprehensive in-office services like wound care, blood work, physicals, and preventive screenings.
- No copays or deductibles for office visits.
- Personalized care and extended appointment times, allowing more time to discuss concerns.
Cons:
- You still need regular health insurance for hospitalizations and specialist referrals.
- Membership and annual/monthly fees vary by practice and can be expensive.
- Fees may increase as you age.
Is Concierge Medicine Right For You?
Diamond Cove Concierge Medicine offers premier concierge medicine services in Naples, FL. To see if Practice owner physician, Dr. Michelle Becker, is a good fit for you, contact us today.