Concierge Medicine
Premium Access for Those Who Can Afford It
MDVIP is the largest concierge medicine network in the country: about 1,100 physicians, each with a panel of 400–600 patients. Patients pay an annual retainer of approximately $1,800–$2,200. In return: same-day appointments, comprehensive annual wellness exams, direct cell phone access to the physician, and visits that last as long as they need to.
The physician still bills insurance for all clinical services. The retainer pays for the enhanced access and wellness services that insurance doesn’t cover.
What It Is
A concierge practice charges patients an annual retainer for premium access — but unlike DPC, it still bills insurance for clinical care. The retainer subsidizes small panels and extended services; insurance pays for the medicine.
Why It Exists
Affluent patients want guaranteed access, unhurried appointments, and a physician who knows them deeply. Physicians want smaller panels and better economics without giving up insurance revenue. Concierge medicine serves both.
The Tradeoffs
The upside: Exceptional access. Dual revenue streams (retainer + insurance). Reduced burnout for physicians. Patients love the experience.
The downside: Creates a two-tier system. When a physician converts to concierge, 1,500 patients lose their doctor so that 500 can have a premium experience. Retainer fees are not HSA-eligible. Limited to affluent markets.
The Bottom Line
Concierge medicine works for the people who can afford it. The ethical question — should access to your doctor depend on your ability to pay a retainer? — has no clean answer. But the model’s persistence and growth suggest there’s strong demand from both patients and physicians.