Related to the quality issues addressed in Tip 619, consider what happens when your Primary Care Physician thinks you need to see a cardiologist, an oncologist, or any other ‘ist.’

If he/she is an employee of Health System X, but the highest rated specialist practices out of Health System Y, what then? 

Most PCPs these days have +/- 2500 patients; that’s at least ten patients to see every day; maybe more if golf on Thursdays is still a thing! How much time does that leave to keep up with best practices; might it be easier to defer instead to their ‘Masters?’

An independent Concierge Doctor I know, limits his practice to just 300 patients and considers a key element of the $2400 annual fee, his knowledge of where to send patients when they need acute care.

And the unfettered ability to do so.

Concierge fees and services are generally not covered by insurance, which means most of us will have to fend for ourselves.

Or, do we?

As with the Tip 619 close, more to follow.

But not until after the Holidays.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

(Tips return 1/2/2024.)