The High Cost Of Boutique Medical Care
By Better Health Research Team • Feb 15th, 2010 • Category: Health E-Hint
How much would you pay for one-on-one medical care without struggling to get an appointment and then spending your entire day in the waiting room? According to news reports by the Associated Press (AP) and USA Today, it could cost up to $1,500 a year or more.
Many doctors and physicians are operating concierge, or boutique, medical practices that cater to a smaller patient base who pay a retainer fee in exchange for extra attention and no waiting rooms. By paying up-front, patients can expect longer appointments, more face time with the doctor, extensive blood work and testing, in-depth screening and after-hours access to the doctor.
One doctor in Baltimore used to operate a practice of about 3,500 patients and treated 25 to 30 people each day. Once he converted to a retainer-based service, he narrowed his practice to about 600. Before, most exams lasted about 10 minutes, but now it’s not unusual for him to spend an hour treating a patient.
However, most patients will still require insurance fees and have to cover copays and other related costs for this service. This leaves many Americans unable to afford the concierge service and its benefits. But it seems like yet another choice emerging on the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
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