Physicians going "private" (medical, hospital, doctor, patient)

[loveautumn]

i just got a phone call today from my doctor's office (been with him for over 20 years) letting me know that he is going into "private internal medicine". And if I want to stay with him, it would be $3k(I assume that is per year), for that I would get 24/7 access....I burst out laughing. I guess this is the new wave in medicine (it happened to my 82 year old neighbor too). Looks like they just want to take care of wealthy sick people...not us middle class folks.

Looks like I'll be going on Medicare this year for sure...hope I can find a doctor who will take me...what a nightmare.

[Happy in Wyoming]

Isn't your life worth an extra 3k per year? Mine is.

24/7

[rational1]

> Isn't your life worth an extra 3k per year?

Not clear that paying the $3K is going to save your life (or even make you live longer). A gym membership might be a better investment.

Having said this- this is concierge medicine- an emerging trend. What you pay for is rapid access to your doctor, more of his time if you want it, and maybe an extra-thorough physical exam. I don't know how worthwhile it is, because if you get sick...you're into the hospital system with rotating interns.

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by rational1

> Isn't your life worth an extra 3k per year?

Not clear that paying the $3K is going to save your life (or even make you live longer). A gym membership might be a better investment.

Having said this- this is concierge medicine- an emerging trend. What you pay for is rapid access to your doctor, more of his time if you want it, and maybe an extra-thorough physical exam. I don't know how worthwhile it is, because if you get sick...you're into the hospital system with rotating interns.

I think some of these doctors have been watching too much Royal Pains on television.

[nicet4]

We're had a couple doctors doing this and dropping medicare.

[lenora]

Geez, I would love this.

There is no way a non-concierge physician can afford to take the time to review my entire medical record before attempting to coordinate my care. (My former PCP knew my medical history because he treated me for about 30 years.)

Maybe I should start looking for a concierge practice that costs a little less than $3000/year. Or start buying lottery tickets.

[stockproipi]

It's certainly worth it if the 3K covers my hospital and other related expenses as well.

[loveautumn]

I don't see how a doctor could put himself out there as being available 24/7 anyway, that's just not realistic. Patients would be calling him late at night, or in the middle of the night...gee doc, I can't sleep...gee doc, my back hurts....and expect him to respond? For that price, people will expect him to jump...good luck with that!

[flyonpa]

Article from Atlanta paper from the doctor point of view:

Doctor makes house calls *| ajc.com

[Newdaawn]

My Dr. has notified all of his patients that he will no longer be taking medicare. Now I am stuck looking for another primary care Dr. I think this will be the wave of the future for those over 65. The Government has made all the paper work and restrictions just too much for the Drs. You can't blame them.