Learning About Diagnosing Common Health Problems

Posted on: 12 August 2021

If you already have health insurance but aren't happy with your current care, you may be looking at other options. Some insurance policies can be pricy, so you may want to look for a provider on retainer, known as concierge care. Concierge care typically doesn't replace your current health plan — it's an add-on that you usually pay a flat monthly fee for. While you may still need your health insurance for emergencies or specialized treatments, a concierge care can be great for primary care services. If you are unsure whether you should proceed with concierge care, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Do You Want a Stronger Relationship with Your Doctor?

Gallup polls over the years have shown that a lot of people don't have faith in the healthcare system. Some people have issues finding a doctor because of discrimination or lack of representation, while others feel that the healthcare system is impersonal. If you don't have a doctor that you see regularly, or you are unhappy with the impersonal nature of your doctor visits, then a concierge doctor might be beneficial. Concierge doctors usually only take on a certain number of patients so that they can give individualized care. Besides restricting the patient number, concierge doctors are often easier to reach by email and phone and usually offer same-day appointments. In short, if you feel like your needs are being ignored by your current doctor, then the flat fee for a concierge doctor might be worth it.

Do You Have a Chronic Condition?

If you have a high-deductible health plan, it may not be feasible to visit your doctor frequently for a chronic condition. A concierge doctor is beneficial if you have a medical condition that requires frequent primary care visits. Even if you don't have a lot of out-of-pocket costs, some people prefer concierge doctors for their chronic conditions because their provider will get a better picture of their overall health. Some insurance providers may have you see different doctors for different symptoms, and these doctors may not be on the same page when it comes to your chronic condition.

Do You Want to Focus on Preventative Care?

While concierge doctors work well for people with chronic conditions, they can also be beneficial for patients with little to no health issues who only want preventative care. You could potentially get a more affordable health plan for emergencies and then only visit your concierge doctor for preventative services such as cancer screenings, wellness visits, minor injuries (e.g. stitches).

Reach out to a concierge medical care provider like Holly M Gilbert MD in your area to learn more about concierge medicine.