How to Find a Concierge Doctor Who's the Right Fit For You

You've done the research and you're convinced that enrolling in a concierge healthcare practice is the right thing for you and your family. But how do you find the right concierge doctor? Here's what to keep in mind.

Begin your search online. Googling phrases like "concierge medicine" and your city or town will deliver practices in your immediate area. Review the website for each practice. Since this is a newer model of medicine, most sites tend to offer plenty of educational material.

Keep track of practices that seem like a good fit for your needs. Review the list of doctors and note the ones you're interested in. Then, double check for…

• Board certification. This is an essential credential. Certification ensures that the doctor has completed the appropriate education, residency, and licensing. Visit certificationmatters.org to check to see if the doctor you want is board certified.
• Hospital affiliation. The doctor you choose should be affiliated with hospitals in your area and/or your hospital of choice.
• Disciplinary actions/malpractice lawsuits. Consumer Reports has an excellent tool for checking up on the doctor in question.

Take your search offline and interview several different candidates in person. Yes, it sounds formal and perhaps even a bit stuffy. But taking the time to interview several concierge doctors is the best way to get a sense of the doctor's personality.

Remember, concierge medicine involves building a true relationship between patient and doctor. Like any other relationship, chemistry is important. In fact, when it comes to concierge medicine chemistry is just as important as the doctor's credentials.

Why?

Well, you'll be working with the same doctor week after week, month after month, year after year. That's one of the major benefits of concierge medicine—you no longer have to ride the doctor merry-go-round. If the doctor's personality rubs you the wrong way, for whatever reason, then it's probably best to find someone else. Choose someone you like and with whom you can be completely honest. Trust is paramount to a successful relationship.

The good news is that almost all concierge doctors will be happy to provide a no-obligation consultation. Because their patient load has been reduced dramatically, they have time in their schedules for a thorough sit-down interview (figure anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour).

When you meet with candidates, consider asking the following questions:

• What's your approach to concierge medicine? Choose someone who sounds enthused about this medical model due to the many benefits it provides patients.
• Do you have a staff? What are their roles? A happy, friendly staff is always a good sign.
• How do your patients contact you after hours? Concierge doctors who truly embrace the model are always happy to provide their email and cell phone numbers.
• Do you ever make house calls? Many, although not all, concierge docs make occasional house calls. If this is something you need (e.g. perhaps you have an immobile family member), then speak up.
• What are your fees? Fees should be straightforward and easy to understand.
• What services are included in this fee? What are the services that aren't covered? This will vary a bit from practice to practice, which is why YOU need to make sure you understand what you're signing up for. Ask about things like blood work, X-rays, medications, and so forth.
• How do your current patients handle services that aren't covered? The concierge doctor should not be dismissive. A good sign is if he or she can share how other patients are successfully navigating this issue.
• What's the payment schedule? Annual? Monthly? Some practices might offer a discount if you pay annually, so it's worth asking.

Listen to your gut. It will seldom steer you wrong. If you've made a connection with a concierge doctor, you've done your due diligence regarding his or her background, and you're satisfied with his or her answers regarding your questions, congratulations! You've found yourself a concierge doctor who's a great fit for you.

Not sure if concierge medicine is the right fit for you yet? Get our free checklist to find out!