C-Suite Insights + Industry Experts

We’ll be the first to admit in healthcare that we don’t have it all figured out. But what we do know, we’d like to share.

Please SCROLL DOWN + LEFT TO RIGHT to view multiple quotations and perspectives from experts helping Doctors over the years, PLUS a list of industry resources —

Bonus: You’ll also find CMT legal contributing writers (2025) commentary and their thoughtful, outside the box considerations FOR DOCTORS about topics such as marketing, Medicare, compliance and more! (See below)

  • “Personalized application of evidence-based decisions should be the norm, and companies should provide the technology to access the most up-to-date, patient-specific evidence for a given therapeutic area or intervention, so that physicians and patients can decide together the most effective course of treatment. Concierge Doctors, known to be innovative and patient-centered care, are in a unique position to take advantage of the growing number of personalized data resources matched to patient profiles and preferences to improve patient care.”

    — Dr. T.F., Keynote Speaker, Concierge Medicine Forum, 2018

  • “Where we find value is strengthening the relationship between doctor and patient, and we think that’s where the magic is.”

    — B. Jorgensen, MDVIP CEO

  • “We’ve seen a tremendous amount of growth,” said Dr. Dean McElwain, president and COO of Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, a medical consulting company founded four years ago with John Castle and Dr. John Connolly that helps physicians convert their practices to a concierge model. “Concierge medicine affords physicians the ability to return to a much more old-fashioned style of practice where you actually had generous time to communicate with your patients and to work one-on-one with them to solve their problem and get to know them as individuals and not just a diagnosis.”

    — LLNYC Magazine; July/August 2017

  • "To be able to practice in this fashion, the patient roster is limited to a maximum of 600 patients. Each patient enjoys a 90- to 120-minute annual wellness visit similar to an executive style physical. This includes an exam, review and coaching for every patient. Follow up visits last 30 minutes. Under this calculation, doctors see eight to 12 patients a day. Physicians benefit on multiple fronts. We enjoy financial stability in this uncertain time. We regain the freedom to practice the way we were trained. Our time, tools and technology improve our abilities and make us even more valuable to our patients than we were before. Partnering with a consultant or an organization who provides the resources to transition successfully to this model is critical particularly to ensure that your practice is compliant with all federal and state laws. The model even improves national outcomes. Hospitalizations are down – by 79% in Medicare patients in one year and 72% in commercial patients. Readmission rates for common problems (Acute MI, CHF and pneumonia) are all under 2%, as compared to the national averages that range from 15% to 21%. Control of chronic conditions is better against all benchmarks and together, these saved the healthcare system over $300 million a year. The patient benefits of a smaller size practice include same-day appointments, 24-hour availability, no waiting and a higher level of coordination of care. As a result, patient satisfaction tops 94%, with nine in 10 patients renewing annually. Moreover, physician satisfaction is over 95%. With the right tools and model, we get to practice medicine the way we had been trained. We find the time to talk. We tease out buried details, identify issues, and become the hands-on healers we once were. For their part, patients become more accountable and see real results."

    — Dr. Andrea Klemes is the Chief Medical Officer of MDVIP, Medical Economics, Dec, 15, 2014; Article, How engaging patients improves health outcomes

  • “I embraced the potential of concierge medicine at its inception, and believe in it even more so today, having witnessed firsthand how each individual practice positively contributes to making a difference in a troubled healthcare environment. Concierge medicine is unique in recognizing and highlighting the doctor-patient relationship as the most essential element of quality care, and providing a proven, viable platform to fulfill this imperative. I look forward to sharing our experiences at the Concierge Medicine Forum.”

    — Terry Bauer, CEO of Specialdocs Consultants

  • “I think that this is an exciting time for private direct medicine. With all sorts of stakeholders exploring private medicine solutions: this is no longer primarily a solo or small physician-owned medical practice space. Larger systems and providers, and even non-provider enterprises, are all exploring how to accomplish improved health outcomes with private consumer investment and expanded communication/connection. But there are challenges with how to integrate with the tax code, and with plan requirements.”

    — Attorney, J.E., Esq.

  • “A Doctor’s life moves to a better place when they move at a sustainable pace. I think sometimes there is still skepticism about ‘What is concierge medicine?’ and ‘Hey, what’s the bottom line?’ But I believe we’re starting to see evidence that if Doctor’s don’t do something like this, it will impact the Physician, the Patient, our communities and the bottom line in a negative way. And so that’s one of the things that we’re addressing in this marketing book FOR Doctors. How do you create a remarkable patient experience worth remarking about to others? Hospitality in healthcare, sure, it’s a process but patients today shouldn’t feel processed. Like you, I simply want to leave our healthcare culture in a better place than how it found me and my kids years ago.”

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “The IRS does not generally consider the monthly payment a ‘qualified medical expense.’ However, we do believe that they will accept reimbursements from an HSA for actual services provided by your practice physicians if you can produce something for the patient that they can use to document the services they received (including any procedure/treatment codes), the date they were provided (and by whom), and the amount you would charge the patient for the services provided. I know your practice is not set up that way, but the patient needs something that tells them the fair market value of the services they received for tax-free reimbursement from their HSA.”

    — Roy Ramthun of HSA Consulting Services based in Washington, DC

  • “Concierge medicine must be treated seriously by physicians and patients alike because it is a concept that is here to stay. Paying a set annual fee for “special services” may appear to some to focus on money and greed but to others it may be redirecting the focus of medicine back to preventing disease and seeking wellness. If concierge physicians are successful in preventing illness and keeping patients healthier then it is in the best interest of patients, physicians and society as a whole.”

    — Peter A. Clark SJ, PhD Professor of Medical Ethics and Director, Institute of Catholic Bioethics, Saint Joseph’s University

  • “The biggest mistake in my opinion is charging too low. Conversions [into this private-pay marketplace] will eventually be unnecessary as the public becomes more aware of the benefits of these types of memberships. The big challenge is continuing growth after the initial conversion. Customer service, as described by some physicians, is the number one way to grow [this type of] practice. Linking the service to local self-insured employers is a good way to grow but certainly requires expertise with regards to structuring the appropriate benefit, usually a high-deductible plan with an HSA plus a membership."

    — Mr. P., former independent industry consultant

  • “Delivering an exceptional experience for your patients relies on several key elements: location, staff, availability, signage, facilities, and the overall feel of the practice. But let’s be honest, just about every medical office does that already near you— and not a lot of patients want to comeback to those places! Remark-ology refers to how you (and your team!) prepare, greet, inform, and serve each patient who enters your practice.”

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “The claim that MDs who go into concierge and become millionaires is rarely true. “As someone who has been working with MDs for more than 30 years and talks to hundreds of doctors a year, I can tell you that most improve their economic and professional situations, and many do it just to survive. The goal of nearly all concierge physicians is to keep their practices independent and viable for their staff and patients. Additionally, for a physician with an established practice and a sound plan, financing a concierge practice conversion is a non-issue. If they align with a company that has experience with practice conversions, the costs to the practice are minimal. The risks are far greater if they attempt to build a concierge program from scratch, in which case they will more likely need a bankruptcy attorney. The other benefit to aligning with an experienced concierge care company is that it handles business development, allowing the physician and his staff to focus on doing what they do best—providing superior care to their patients.”

    — Mr. L., industry consultant in commentary related to a Forbes article written several years ago

  • "Let's focus on substance, not labels."

    — Attorney, J.E., Esq.

  • “Typically, there’s a period after start-up when income goes way down as patients decide whether to stay. It often takes a good two years to bring the patient level up to where it should be.” At that point, physicians do better financially. In the interim, they are likely to struggle, particularly with those large start-up costs, which range from $50,000 to over $300,000."

    — A.M., a senior consultant in the northeast office of Corporate Health Group

  • “Patient income is just one factor in the success of a concierge medical practice. Other important considerations include location, community demand for primary care, likeability, bedside manner, team dynamics, demographics, desired services, and patient-staff relationships. All these elements collectively influence the practice's longevity and success.”

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • "Inspiring physicians can be found in just about every corner of the healthcare field, and we aim to highlight some of the most exceptional leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs, media contributors, and figureheads in concierge medicine who are guiding others toward a preferred future in healthcare and in our communities," says the Editor-in-Chief of Concierge Medicine Today. "These doctors have remarkable stories, have built thriving practices, and have made significant contributions to major healthcare brands and the healthcare sector as a whole. While there are still many other outstanding concierge medicine doctors leading in various areas who did not make this list, we plan to spotlight them in the months and years to come—these are just a few on our radar right now! Each of them carries powerful messages and valuable traits that anyone can learn from."

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • "Effective physician leaders—especially those we have observed in the concierge medicine industry—recognize that certain aspects of today's healthcare culture are causing medical practices and physicians to unwisely forfeit their influence over patients," adds Concierge Medicine Today's Editor-in-Chief. "Yet despite the challenges present in the broader healthcare marketplace, many concierge medicine physicians possess the self-awareness to step into various leadership roles. Their practice model allows them to leverage their gifts, skills, and strengths for the benefit of their patients and communities. This self-awareness fosters a culture of leadership and innovation within their practices. It serves as a reminder that when physicians connect with patients on a personal level consistently, they can make a significant impact on their patients, teams, and organizations. Achieving this requires a commitment to the practices of risk-taking, delegation, and self-leadership. Embracing change is ingrained in their DNA; rather than acting as critics, they remain curious. This curiosity keeps them relevant, positive, and self-aware. By choosing curiosity over criticism and valuing learning over expertise, these effective Top Physician Leaders in Concierge Medicine inspire their teams. They’re creating a healthcare culture that values patients rather than treating people as mere numbers—all wrapped up inside a business model that many patients find irresistible. This approach conveys the message that 'it's no longer about being the best doctor in the world; it's about being the best doctor for the world, for your patients, and for your local community.'"

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “Patients are customers in our healthcare culture. They vote with their feet and their wallet and sometimes a smart phone. Inside a lot of traditional plan reimbursed practices, patients expect to wait. They expect insurance to cover their visit and, when it's not, they're often surprised because there was very little communication and information provided to them upfront. Relationship with our doctor's office is dying in a lot of ways. But patients are consumers of healthcare whether some agree with that sentiment or not. Every day patients routinely expect a disengaged staff and an unpleasant visit when at their doctor’s office that ends with a story, good bad or downright indifferent. I think we can do better. What we try to do here at Concierge Medicine Today, the industry's trade publication, is we try to break down the story behind concierge medicine. We try to take you behind the scenes of and explain why for example, this often misunderstood, counter-intuitive approach that puts Patient and Physician first can exceed some patients expectations, renew Physicians enthusiasm for the practice of medicine and therein create a massively loyal and engaged patient audience.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • 'Any type of healthcare and health insurance-related issue is going to have legal and ethical issues that everyone will not agree on. The bottom line with concierge medicine is that it is quickly growing, presumably due to physicians and patients fed up with the current state of America’s healthcare system and where it could be going due to The Affordable Care Act. In fact, even with the growing number of concierge physicians, “the number of patients who are seeking concierge medical care in the past 24 months is far greater than the actual number of primary care and family practice concierge physicians available to service them” (CMT, 2014b, para. 22). Only time will tell how this will pan out, but for now, it looks like this is where our country is heading.'

    — C.J. Miles, MBAHCM, MSA Research Analyst at the AMAC Foundation

  • "Although there are differences in the models for DPC and concierge care, there are similarities as well…most notably, the ultimate benefit for both patients and physicians: having quality time for offering consistent care and developing strong relationships with patients that are at the heart of these primary care delivery models."

    — Physician Transition Consultant

  • "The anti-aging and medical home delivery model fits well inside a concierge medicine [and direct care] practice. The nutritional component, the wellness solutions, the anti-aging and team-focused health care delivery professionals led by a concierge [or direct care] doctor are providing comprehensive and continuous health care services to patients year after year that they simply can't find elsewhere. This combination is increasing patient retention and patient interest in the concept. The goal here is healthy outcomes for patients followed by increased patient retention outcomes for the physician year after year."

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “There is only so much they can move the dial, and I think it is going to go back toward self-determination,” McElwain said of the Republican healthcare legislation. “Certainly, with this administration, there seems to be an appreciation for the utilization of health saving accounts and the ability to engage privately with your physician … It’s very multifactorial, but I think if anything, it looks like it will have a nurturing effect on what we do.”

    — LLNYC Magazine; July/August 2017

  • “Employers large and small and companies see Concierge Medicine and other membership medicine delivery vehicles as the ideal delivery model for healthcare innovation as it allows patients to control their healthcare dollars, be guided by a relational physician when learning about advanced healthcare options and make more informed, data-driven decisions under the direction and support of their involved [Concierge] physician, to live a healthier life.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • "The health and wellness sector has always been a passion of mine for most of my career, and as a result, I've had the great privilege to sit on all sides of the business. Having the opportunity to lead this organization at such a pivotal moment is a true honor as I can think of no greater way to impact the world of health and wellness than by creating a means to improve access and a streamlined experience. I have long held the notion that the healthcare industry is ripe for a transformation that brings focus back to the patient-physician connection, and one that truly delivers a personalized experience. I believe we are the company to make that happen."

    — J.A., CEO

  • “When doctors talk about concierge medicine being “the oldest, new form of medicine,” they're not speaking figuratively—they are trying to reframe the identity of their practice and an over-worked industry.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “Patient Satisfaction in the field remains exceptionally high. Attitudes toward Concierge Medicine have undergone significant and positive changes since the signature of the Affordable Care Act in 2010.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “Health care is not and should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. Continual innovation is what will ultimately save a crumbling health care system and the more options there are to serve the needs of Americans the better. MD² is the result of fearless trailblazing by one man. Others need to follow suit to bring new methodologies, technologies and models that will serve other consumer sectors and free the medical paradigm from it’s current spin-cycle with insurance and billing.”

    — MD²’s Former CEO, Peter Hoedemaker, Press Release

  • “Don’t apologize to your patients for the business changes you’re making. This new process will help them. Inform them that this is a positive change and will help you maintain more secure patient-physician communication on a timely basis and offers them a much more affordable payment system with routine and convenient access to their doctor.”

    — Mr. P., (Retired) Independent, Industry Consultant

  • "Concierge Doctors routinely visit their Patient(s) and talk with family members in the Hospital when admitted or an emergency has occurred. It’s not something they can predict, but they’ve recognized it is an important and personal gesture worth more than any amount of money or even life itself. Concierge Doctors have recognized that their mere presence is important. They know that this uncommon, random act of kindness comes with a price tag which they [the Doctor] cannot put a price tag on. That is, this random act of kindness often creates a bond between the Patient-Physician for LIFE!"

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “It’s common for physicians, particularly those with long-standing patients, to significantly underestimate ‘ramp-up time’ – how long it takes to get new people enrolled."

    — Helen, Business Consultant, Hamden, CT

  • "The distinctions between concierge medicine, private medicine, and direct primary care may be ultimately meaningless, since some doctors call themselves whatever they feel sounds better, and there are so many practice variations, many overlapping, that it often isn't clear which is which."

    — Neil Chesanow, Medscape/WebMD, May 2014

  • “Try navigating managed care on a rotary phone. So many things get in the way of connecting with Patients in a Doctor’s office. Choose the road less traveled.”

    — D.H., Keynote Speaker, Industry Concierge Medicine Conference, the 2017 Concierge Medicine Forum, Atlanta, GA USA

  • "In healthcare, there is often a tendency to quickly dismiss disruptive new ideas, but this can lead organizations and individuals toward irrelevance," says the Editor-in-Chief of the industry’s trade publication, Concierge Medicine Today. "Over the past 20 years, I have met many Concierge Medicine physicians who possess both great compassion and strong resolve. They are truly the salt of the earth—some of the brightest minds and kindest people you can find. We are fortunate to have them on the other side of the exam room!”

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “It’s a big decision for any physician to make the switch to concierge medicine. We recognize and honor that. Fortunately, as more physicians adopt this model and popularity grows, there are some great resources to help you navigate the path. It’s critical to determine if this is the right decision for your practice and then choose the best option – the one that matches both your short and long term goals. We frequently direct our prospective physicians to conciergemedicinetoday.org, informational books like the new Doctor’s Guide to Concierge Medicine and Direct Primary Care, and get them on the phone with other concierge doctors for a peer to peer conversation. It’s a step by step process… and each situation is as unique as each doctor. That’s why it’s critical to find the right partners to help you get there.”

    — J.R., Industry Consultant (Retired)

  • "If you are thinking about retiring from your concierge medical practice, know this: your exit strategy requires just as much planning as it took to build your thriving patient base. A top concern is finding quality continuity of care for your members. Another real challenge is selling your practice."

    — Tony S., Director of Corporate Development, MDVIP

  • "In today’s healthcare culture, the 55-plus audience hasn’t been entirely abandoned, but the advertising aimed at this population segment is simply aimed at maintaining brand loyalty and establishing that the products they love are still good, still function and most likely being improved. Conversely, you can watch any prime-time television show that's targeting the 25-54 demographic, and you will learn what those people think is cool, hip, and where our culture is trending. You will not see advertising aimed at the 55-plus demographic population that's designed to get them to switch brands. The advertising aimed at 25-54 is all about that. And, by the way, most doctors, consultants and advertising agencies know that. This is just one of the many helpful topics you'll learn about at this conference."

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “We are all used to subscriptions. We all have Amazon Prime and Netflix, and like Netflix or Amazon subscriptions,” he said, “you’ll find doctors out there with monthly subscriptions that seem incredibly affordable or geared for a certain audience. The more you pay, the more your get.”

    —LLNYC Magazine; Article: The doctor will see you immediately; July/Aug 2017 Edition; Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “Time is just so critical. By limiting their total number of families they have the ability to accompany patients to specialist visits, navigate their care through hospital stays and truly research every ache and pain. It’s like having a physician as part of your inner circle, as if they’re a member of your own family.”

    — MD² CEO, Peter Hoedemaker

  • "Insurance is the business of risk management via coverage for rare, expensive events. Nearly every industry in this country uses insurance in this manner — except health care. In health care, in addition to covering for rare events like surgeries and accidents, insurance is also used to cover common medical events as routinely encountered in primary care. Whenever insurance is used to cover common events, premiums go up due to claims being filed more frequently. Unfortunately, routine primary care is expensive in the current state, and society is forced to seek health insurance for this as well. This drives up health care costs across the board. Direct Primary Care is able to make primary care relatively affordable, and thus eliminate the need for costly insurance. Health insurance is reserved for rare, expensive events, like in all other industries. By removing the need for insurance from primary care, which is a significant portion of health care, costs are driven down."

    — Dr. Q., CEO/Physician Founder, Inventor and (former) DPC Physician

  • "I suspect that employers will be the major reason for direct primary care membership/retainer-based practice growth in the coming years as they will essentially demand that level of service for their employees — and in so doing they will be reducing their company health care costs as a result of high quality primary care. The exact number of physicians in DPC practices is unclear but an estimate by Concierge Medicine Today in early 2014 pegs the known number at about 4,000 with about 8,000 others doing so but without fanfare [so in total, approximately 12,000]. More doctors will convert once the general population understands the advantages and begins to ask for it. There are many good reasons for an individual to connect with a direct primary care physician: better quality care, a return to relationship medicine and often a significant cost savings despite the fee."

    — Dr. Stephen C. Schimpff is a quasi-retired internist, professor of medicine and public policy, former CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center, senior advisor to Sage Growth Partners and is the author of The Future of Health-Care Delivery: Why It Must Change and How It Will Affect You

  • “One of the most significant disruptions in healthcare delivery will come increasingly more consumers expecting healthcare to offer the same convenience, access, and customer-centered experiences they receive from the restaurant, retail, or mobile technology industries. Concierge practice in all of its forms will naturally increase in demand and, just like all innovations that start with early adopters, it will mature and expand to more patient segments ... because of increased demand and increased interest. In this growing market, patient engagement and behavior change will be requisite skills for physician-entrepreneurs to offer value to their patients.”

    — Dr. K.B., Physician, Entrepreneur, 2018 Concierge Medicine Forum, Keynote Speaker

  • “Concierge medicine must be treated seriously by physicians and patients alike because it is a concept that is here to stay. Paying a set annual fee for “special services” may appear to some to focus on money and greed but to others it may be redirecting the focus of medicine back to preventing disease and seeking wellness. If concierge physicians are successful in preventing illness and keeping patients healthier then it is in the best interest of patients, physicians and society as a whole.”

    — Peter A. Clark SJ, PhD Professor of Medical Ethics and Director, Institute of Catholic Bioethics, Saint Joseph’s University

  • “The Concierge Medicine Physician is in my opinion … purposefully more communicative and intentional about blending customer service techniques and social graces into the rhythm of his/her daily medical practice environment which in turn, creates a unique bond between Physician and Patient. Couple that with preventative care conversations and innovative healthcare services and we all have something to lean into. In summary, it's no longer about being the best Doctor in the world anymore, it's about being the best Doctor for the world.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “We see three classes of potential plays for a consortium of companies that band together, ranging from the least disruptive (and quickest to implement) to the most disruptive (with the longest time to implement). They are incremental innovation (testing the waters with gradual and piecemeal innovation); technology and analytics (enabling the improvement and redesign of the existing system); and radical disruption (creating new platforms, marketplaces, and ecosystems).”

    Description goes here
  • “Doctors carrying a medical bag and coming into a patient's home was standard into the late 1960s. Look at The Andy Griffith Show. That's what our grandparents did. Medicine became government regulated and that started to end. It came in for a reason -- there did need to be some amount of administration. But now regulation and administrative tasks have frustrated doctors. Be intentional with your excellence, don’t be normal.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “Where the practice of medicine may fall short, a story is often found in our DNA that will provide clarity. Instead of waiting for sickness to occur, the clarity provided by a patient’s DNA can empower a Concierge physician to create a personalized plan for optimizing each patient’s health and longevity.”

    — CMT Industry Conference Keynote Speaker, Dr. B.C.

  • “It’s about believability. Would it work for me? Could it work for me? Where physicians have taken an early leap of faith, if you build it they will come, overwhelmingly they have been satisfied. As a result, physicians now have many examples of colleagues experiencing the benefits of concierge medicine for themselves and their patients. In those areas, we see momentum continuing to build.”

    — Mr. D., a former CEO and industry consultant in concierge medicine space

  • “Concierge Medicine is seen by many as providing the ideal delivery model for the future of precision medicine. Used under the guidance and application of a Concierge Physician, these innovative tests can have a predictive effect on patient treatment outcomes. Whole genome sequencing, genetic testing and comprehensive profiling with more than 50 well-established pharmacogenomics genes in a single, cost-effective test can provide medically actionable and clinically relevant data, allowing Concierge Physicians, to make a more informed and thoughtful treatment recommendation for the health and well-being of each patient. Concierge Medicine Today strongly supports use of this innovative testing.”

    — Publisher of Concierge Medicine Today, C.S.

  • "Until just a few years ago, people mostly based choosing a doctor on the personal recommendation of a trusted friend or relative. Now with the advent of social media, word of mouth marketing is changing from a spoken word referral to a social media link referral. When you think of Andy Griffith-style medicine, the doctor had a clinic in the local town. It’d be strange for him to say, ‘What kind of insurance does Opie have?’ The people you entrust to help your practice grow must be aware of how to effectively promote this new, old-fashioned message and delivery model of healthcare."

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “This kind of innovative medicine is for C-suite executives and craft brewers. It’s for people who say, ‘I want the best healthcare in the world from one of the best doctors in the world, and there is a value to that,’ Tetreault says, with an air of triumphant make-healthcare-great-again-ism. “It’s an innovation that takes us back to how healthcare used to be delivered. You can have a family doctor again. No longer is it about what kind of insurance Opie has. It’s taking us back to an Andy Griffith style of healthcare.”

    — LLNYC Magazine; Article: The doctor will see you immediately; July/Aug 2017 Edition

  • "Consumers buy what they understand. It has taken years for the industry to educate consumers about the basic components of concierge medicine. Build upon that existing knowledge base and take the time to further educate them on how your practice uses labs, technology and other tools that will elevate their health."

    — S.H., former industry consultant to Concierge Physicians, and a CMT Writer/Contributor

  • “When they become concierge physicians their loss experience improves [by losses, CAP means medical liability claims]. When one becomes a concierge physicians they [most likely] go from high volume practice to a low volume practice [have fewer patients]. We are aware that concierge physicians really do understand that their staff is vital to having satisfied patients. What makes us different from other carriers is our longevity in the marketplace and our Risk Management Institute — educational modules designed specifically for solo and small group office staff that provide a lot of information in a short period of time to help office staff/office management processes and reduce risk.”

    — Cindy Belcher, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Business Development at CAP; CAP has been working in the concierge physician space for quite some time. For the last 10 years CAP has been tracking the benefits, losses and business practices of concierge [and direct primary care] physicians. Starting in 2013, CAP started offering discounts to concierge physicians. CAP reviewed records of concierge physicians over the past 10 years and concierge physicians have fewer claims than regular physicians – they can get up to a 45% discount.

  • Monica E. Oss said in a 2019 Executive Briefing article she wrote entitled Should Your Organization Sell Health Care Subscriptions? ... How many subscription memberships do you have? With very little thought, many come to mind—Netflix, HBO, Hello Fresh, Amazon Prime, Kindle Direct, and Consumer Reports to name a few. And the subscription market is expanding—bacon, clothing, shoes, beauty products, wine, and more. The subscription e-commerce market has grown by more than 100% a year over the past five years, with the largest players reaching $2.6 billion in sales (see The State Of The Subscription Economy, 2018). Now, consider subscription health care, where consumers can pay a weekly, quarterly, or yearly fee to receive some type of health care services. These models give consumers a way to budget for specific health care costs and gives provider organizations a consistent, reoccurring stream of revue. Subscription health care can take on many different forms to cover a variety of different services, including software, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, concierge care, and direct primary care (see Subscription Medicine: On-Demand Healthcare For Everyone and Digital Healthcare In A Subscription-Based Economy).

    — This reprint appears with the permission of OPEN MINDS. For more information, visit their website at www.openminds.com. To contact the author, email openminds@openminds.com

  • “Inside traditional medicine, patients expect to wait. They expect insurance to cover their visit. When it is not, they expect to fight. Consumers of healthcare today say they expect a disengaged staff and an unpleasant visit when at their doctor’s office. We can do better. Concierge Medicine Patients are Invited rather than Expected. This counter-intuitive approach exceeds expectations, thereby creating a massively loyal and engaged audience which, in turn, is producing some amazing patient outcome data as released and seen by some organizations in the space.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • “We have many physicians just outside the major metropolitan areas; including some in smaller, more rural towns. Concierge Medicine isn’t just for ‘big city’ folks that have a lot of disposable income. Patients all over the country are looking for they type of care a concierge physician offers – more time, individualized proactive care, and an alternative to the less personal, hurried, reactive care that physicians are being forced to provide.”

    — J.R., industry consultant, Concierge Medicine Forum workshop, 2019

  • “Typically, there’s a period after start-up when income goes way down as patients decide whether to stay. It often takes a good two years to bring the patient level up to where it should be.” At that point, physicians do better financially. In the interim, they are likely to struggle, particularly with those large start-up costs, which range from $50,000 to over $300,000.

    — A.M., a senior consultant in the northeast office of Corporate Health Group

  • “Hospital systems, C-Suite level at insurance companies, clinical research and technology firms and others are interested in what is happening in the field of Concierge Medicine. They know Concierge doctors are early adopters of strategies and solutions. The Concierge Medicine Forum is about showcasing new ideas brought together in one place by some of the brightest minds and industry-leading precision medicine brands, health and technology futurists, and innovative Concierge Medicine physicians that will share with attendees what the future of healthcare looks like. How we can all play a role in helping people on their path to better health is what this forum is all about.”

    — Editor, Concierge Medicine Today

  • "Concierge medicine is, at its most basic, a return to the age when doctors made house calls and were paid directly by the patients they treated."

    — P.S., California

  • “Once upon a time, the ‘NOW accepting new patients’ sign was the standard signal for patients that their doctor was ‘in the box’ and ‘open for business.’ It was a marathon most doctors would HUMBLY endure in the service of patients and ultimately one day call A career. though as the years went by more doctors saw that entering the practice felt more like a penalty box than AN altruistic calling. and today's healthcare marketplace isn’t giving doctors much choice anymore FOR a long career. HEALTHCARE TODAY is riddled with bureaucracy, ambiguous prices, visits that feel like speed-dating, and places where both patients and doctors are running on empty. Enter cash-pay, membership and subscription healthcare (and all of its current iterations, labels and price points). For a few thousand doctors today in the u.s. and abroad, these cash-pay, subscription-based healthcare delivery practice models have become one of the few prescriptions and solutions available to for doctors and patients to treat patient and physician burnout in our chaotic, cold, unfriendly and overcomplicated healthcare marketplace … that let’s be honest, is more like a maze than a place of refuge or place of healing. Doctors in these models have rediscovered their passion for healthcare – and patients, well, they’re sitting on the other side of these Doctors and rekindling that personal bond with their physician that they honestly thought had gone extinct!”

    Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today, LLC., industry trade publication, est. 2007.

Industry Specific Resources (Listed In Alphabetical Order)*

The content is for general information aimed at a healthcare audience and is not an endorsement of any mentioned entities. This site may contain errors and does not offer medical, financial, or legal advice. CMT is not liable for inaccuracies and users should consult trusted advisors before acting on the information. Users assume all risks and should conduct their own research. By using CMT's platforms, users agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.

About Castle Connolly Private Health Partners

Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, LLC (CCPHP) works with exceptional physicians to create and support concierge (membership-based) healthcare programs that enable the optimal practice environment and the physician-patient relationship. Members (patients) pay an affordable fee to take advantage of a wide array of enhancements for a more convenient, comprehensive, collaborative, and personalized approach to support health and wellbeing.

  • Learn more about Castle Connolly Private Health Partners, LLC at ccphp.net

About Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP)

Dedicated to providing real options for patients and physicians, Concierge Choice Physicians™ is the largest  private provider of the full range of concierge programs available today—Hybrid and FullFlex™. For nearly 20 years, the company provides innovative, flexible and affordable models proven to work in medical practices of any size—from solo physicians to large medical practice corporations—both independent and affiliated with hospitals or health systems. Headquartered in Rockville Centre, NY, the company has worked with over 500 physicians in 29 states.

About ECG Management Consultants

“Healthcare providers are currently navigating through a period of radical industry change. The ability to identify best practices, both within the health sector and externally in other industries, is critical for providers to maintain competitive advantages in dynamic markets. Having the opportunity with ECG Management Consultants to add value to those organizations providing essential care services to our community is extremely rewarding to me.”

About Eischen Law Offices

James Eischen, Esq (Jim Eischen) is a licensed California attorney with over 32 years of experience handling complex corporate, business planning, health care and real estate matters. We at Eischen Law Office know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

Jonna D. Eimer at Roetzel & Andress in Chicago, Illinois.

Jonna D. Eimer is a health law and corporate attorney and shareholder at Roetzel & Andress in Chicago, Illinois. She represents numerous concierge medicine practices and has extensive experience with other innovative practice models. She also advises her clients – including physicians and physician groups, dentists, behavioral health clinicians, and other health care providers – in forming new practices, selling established practices, and negotiating employment and shareholder agreements, as well as guiding them with respect to regulatory matters. In addition, she counsels clients in forming management services organizations (MSOs) and navigating these sales to private equity.

About Ms.Medicine

Ms.Medicine is female-founded and focused on building an integrated healthcare network of concierge women’s health-trained physicians and practitioners across the US, providing high-quality expert women’s healthcare for those who want the best. Until now, women have lacked exposure to what they are missing in their medical experiences. We work to empower patients by connecting them with expert providers who have advanced knowledge in neglected areas: menopause, sexual health, breast cancer risk, heart health, bone health, pelvic floor conditions, genetics, cancer survivorship, and sleep + nutrition.

About MD²® (MD SQUARED®)

MD2 (pronounced “MD Squared”) is largely credited for pioneering a style of healthcare that would later be called “concierge medicine.” Dr. Howard Maron founded MD²® (MD SQUARED®) in 1996 based on the belief that delivering exceptional medical care must fundamentally revolve around, honor and protect the most sacred of relationships – that between a physician and a patient. This is only possible when you limit your patient threshold to so few; 50 select families, cared for by 1 exceptional physician who is committed to elevating their craft of medicine. This is a vow we are honored to uphold.

About MDVIP

MDVIP leads the market in membership-based healthcare that goes far beyond concierge medicine services with a national network of approximately 1,100 primary care physicians serving 362,000 patients. MDVIP-affiliated physicians limit the size of their practices, which affords them the time needed to provide patients with more individualized service and attention, including an annual, comprehensive preventive care program and customized wellness plan. Published research shows that the MDVIP model identifies more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, delivers more preventive health services and saves the healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars through reduced hospitalizations and readmissions. In response to growing consumer demand for a more personalized healthcare experience, hospital systems are incorporating the MDVIP model into their primary care offering. MDVIP is also partnering with employers to offer an executive health program as a benefit to their employees. The company, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has been certified by Great Place to Work since 2018 and is recognized by Fortune as one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Healthcare.

About PartnerMD

For physicians, we enable you to practice medicine how you've always wanted.

As a concierge doctor at PartnerMD, you can practice medicine the way you envisioned it coming out of medical school.

  • Instead of rushing through 20+ patients per day, you see 6-10. 

  • You spend at least 30 minutes with every patient instead of at most 10.

  • You see patients when they need you the most, instead of pushing them to urgent care. 

The result is more personal care for your patients, and a more fulfilling experience for you as a doctor.

About SignatureMD

SignatureMD is one of the nation's largest providers of initial conversion and ongoing support services to concierge medicine physicians, with an expanding network of over 200 affiliated primary care physicians and specialists across 35 states.

  • To learn more about SignatureMD's flexible models for concierge care, visit www.signaturemd.com.

About Specialdocs Consultants

Specialdocs Consultants provides consulting and professional services for physicians who are transitioning their practice from the traditional model to the concierge or membership model. Specialdocs provides ongoing support for practices before, during and after the transition. Established 2002, Specialdocs Consultants has transitioned physicians across the United States. Headquartered in Highland Park, IL.

About WellcomeMD

The goal of concierge medicine, or what we like to call membership medicine, is to re-establish the kind of personal relationship with your primary care physician that once prevailed in American communities. We call our model “Concierge 2.0” - because our physicians see half the number of patients per doctor as many other concierge practices while accessing new, cutting-edge treatments.

LEGAL EXPERTS’ COMMENTARY AND THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOCTORS

Commentary Credits and Disclaimers
(Alphabetical; Please See Below; Disclaimers, These are not endorsements, nor legal advice. The content is for general information aimed at a healthcare audience and is not an endorsement of any mentioned entities. This site and the opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of Concierge Medicine Today (CMT). Please do your due diligence before acting on what you learn, read of find on this web site. This content may contain errors and CMT does not offer medical, financial, or legal advice. CMT is not liable for inaccuracies and users should consult trusted advisors before acting on the information. Users assume all risks and should conduct their own research. By using CMT's platforms, users agree to the
Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.

Jonna D. Eimer at Roetzel & Andress in Chicago, Illinois.

Jonna D. Eimer is a health law and corporate attorney and shareholder at Roetzel & Andress in Chicago, Illinois. She represents numerous concierge medicine practices and has extensive experience with other innovative practice models. She also advises her clients – including physicians and physician groups, dentists, behavioral health clinicians, and other health care providers – in forming new practices, selling established practices, and negotiating employment and shareholder agreements, as well as guiding them with respect to regulatory matters. In addition, she counsels clients in forming management services organizations (MSOs) and navigating these sales to private equity. Learn More, visit: https://www.ralaw.com/people/jonna-eimer

About Eischen Law Offices

James Eischen, Esq (Jim Eischen) is a licensed California attorney with over 32 years of experience handling complex corporate, business planning, health care and real estate matters. We at Eischen Law Office know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget. Learn More, visit https://www.eischenlawoffice.com/

Cost Sharing/Expenses

Another issue confronting concierge practices is cost sharing and how to divide expenses in this type of practice models. Practices must decide if they are allocating costs based on each physician’s patient panel size or based on their respective ownership percentages of the practice. Once you allow for different panel sizes, these differences can become quite problematic, and physicians can end up disagreeing on the fair allocation of these costs. Confronting these differences early in the formation of the practice and providing for them in the practice’s operating documents can help avoid difficult and costly conflicts later for the partners.” (Eimer; 2025)

Medicare/Medicaid/HMO COMPLIANCE

“Collaborate with a knowledgeable attorney, consultant, or individual(s) to structure your cash practice to follow three (3) federal statutes and decades of Medicare/OIG guidance (essentially, using what looks like the executive health model but with different branding and added/variable features). This approach ensures Medicare/Medicaid/HMO compliance, allows for healthcare insurance plan integration (if desired, and not necessary), and ensures patient fees are “qualified medical expenses” eligible for HSA/FSA/HRA/MSA funding (in other words, allows for employer and pre-tax funding) with no changes in existing laws—it works right now.” (Eischen; 2025)

Coverage and Licensing Concerns

Because of the unique access provided to concierge patients, some practices have added special coverage when these patients are out of state or on vacation. In light of their patients who winter in warmer climates, like Florida, California and Arizona, some practices have partnered with other concierge practices in these states to offer services to their “snowbird” patients. Health systems are taking advantage of these practice models also. For instance, Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine opened a concierge medicine office in Naples, Florida, and Ohio-based Cleveland Clinic also has opened concierge medicine practices in multiple Florida locations. Doctors, however, need to be aware that they need to be licensed in the state where the patient resides. Due to these licensing considerations, some concierge physicians are also obtaining licenses in other states to cover patients that often spend their winters in these warmer states.” (Eimer; 2025)

BE UNIQUE, AVOID INDUSTRY JARGON

“Steer clear of marketing and branding, that, while quite prevalent in the marketplace, is frustrating your patient fees achieving qualified medical expense status. For example, you may dearly love the DPC or concierge [as terms or] brands, but, the IRS is convinced that neither brand’s patient fees are qualified medical expenses. Why debate the IRS? Neither brand is likely to fully explain YOUR medical or healthcare philosophy, and neither brand assists with qualified medical expense status so both brands frustrate HSA/FSA/HRA/MSA funding absent changes in tax laws and IRS regulations.” (Eischen; 2025)

Transitions, Terminations and Retirement

“The concierge model generally relies on increased access and time for patients because physicians have typically accepted fewer patients. Because of this, it can be very difficult to figure out the fairest way to negotiate a partner’s exit and how these patients and fees paid would transfer in the event of such departure. Does the partner get paid only in a buy-out of the whole practice or will the practice buy-out the individual partner upon his or her termination? Would this be handled differently in the case of a retirement? Would the practice consider a buy-out only if another physician can be substituted and take over the patient panel? How then is the new provider paid if fees have already been collected for a given year? It is possible the patients reject the substitute physician regardless of the departing physician’s recommendation.” (Eimer; 2025)

“Oftentimes, the agreements governing the practice’s operations include long notice provisions prior to any termination or retirement because it is not easy to substitute another concierge doctor if one leaves. Also, the patients have paid for the personal relationship and membership with their own doctor, so they do not always feel that this relationship transfers to another doctor. Another thing to consider is if a doctor terminates or unexpectedly dies or becomes disabled and a new doctor cannot cover their patients, what happens to patient fees that have already been collected? The practice needs to consider whether these fees are returned to patients and then whether a new membership agreement is entered into with the new physician. All these considerations need to be addressed in the initial stages of the company’s operations.” (Eimer; 2025)

DON’T ALWAYS FOLLOW THE CROWD

“If your attorney or consultant tells you to opt out of Medicare to do cash healthcare — you are not working with the right expert. Opting out creates different but real compliance risk that the person you are working with does not understand.”(Eischen; 2025)

Don’t replicate, innovate.

“Avoid formulas, brands, and models that work against you implementing your unique vision of healthcare. Don’t replicate, innovate. And, do so using the referenced structuring that for decades has achieved Medicare compliance and tax-advantaged funding options. Call the practice whatever you want, incorporate whatever healthcare services you wish into your subscription, and don’t be constrained by the ill-informed guidance in this marketplace that is not using existing laws/guidance to maximize your practice’s potential.” (Eischen; 2025)

“Because each concierge practice has unique patient fee agreements to consider, there is not a “one size fits all” approach to advising these practices. Concierge practices should not overlook the unique legal and practice issues facing them, from patient fee issues to physician departures. These models have a variety of legal challenges that should be addressed at the early stages of the practice, so they do not lead to partner and patient discord later on.” (Eimer; 2025)

Don’t let Guilt Drive Your Strategy, You’re Worth More Than You Think You Are.

“Instead of allowing a combination of guilt and lack of accurate pricing market data to cause you to under-price and devalue your brand, consider instead pricing your practice at true market value but using ad hoc scholarships/discounts and employer funding to improve equitable access to cash healthcare.” (Eischen; 2025)

Regulatory Considerations

Concierge practices typically charge a fee for membership in their practice, which generally allows patients increased access to the physicians and their services. If the practice is accepting Medicare and/or commercial insurance, the fee cannot be charged for any service already covered by Medicare or insurance. Additionally, if the practice accepts commercial insurance, the fee must be scrutinized to be sure it is allowed under any agreement with a commercial payor of the practice. Some payor agreements may specifically prohibit any patient fee for membership in a practice. Some practices have reached out to their commercial payors directly when converting to a concierge practice and have had these commercial payors review and approve their patient agreements and membership fees.” (Eimer; 2025)

When you have a heart for your community, you don’t have to compete on price.

“Consider your practice pricing as establishing your perceived brand value in the marketplace. You need not track the national franchise-style concierge enterprise pricing or DPC pricing: both are frequently published, but, most cash practices do not market their prices—so the actual market is much higher than your online search reveals. So the easiest prices to find are not necessarily reflective of the actual market, and imitating them will devalue your perceived brand. Instead, work with an experienced attorney or consultant who actually knows the unpublished typical prices for cash practice models. And remember, most if not all of those published price versions of cash healthcare are not structuring their fees/services to allow for employer/tax-advantaged funding, and perhaps their lower prices are unintentionally reflecting that. Pre-tax and employer funding options allow for higher prices points, and can be used to provide versions of this care with 100% employer funding—that can enable more folks to benefit from this care model.” (Eischen; 2025)

Sales to Third Parties

Physician owners in a concierge practice also need to consider at the formation of a practice how the profits of the practice will be divided in the case of a sale to a third party. Will profits be divided based on a physician’s ownership in the practice or based on an individual physician’s production and fee generation? If a practice has providers with vastly different production and patient panel sizes, then this is important to consider because the higher producing partner may want a sale to a third party to take into account these differences. Another partner may feel strongly that profits should be divided based on ownership percentages in the practice entity, which may be equal even if the providers have different numbers of patients. Frequently, the potential buyer has their own considerations for valuing the practices and may ascribe different values to each physician’s practice. The buyer may base its valuation of the practice on patient panel size and fees generated by each individual physician.” (Eimer; 2025)

you have options without creating compliance risks.

“If your attorney or consultant tells you that you cannot bill insurance or stay in network while doing cash heallthcare— you are not working with the right expert. There is a wide range of preference with plan billing in cash healthcare. The right expert can explain to you that you can elect to bill plans a little, a lot, or not at all, and why you have those options without creating compliance risks. You can do zero plan billing, or some, but you should know why you have those options, and why there is no need to opt out of Medicare.” (Eischen; 2025)