Concierge MedicineAliso Viejo, CA
Concierge medicine is a fee-based form of primary care that allows for more personalized treatment. Patients who enroll in concierge medicine can build closer relationships with their doctors, enabling them to receive the close medical attention they need. Since these physicians only take on a limited clientele, each patient can also enjoy the convenience of shorter wait times and longer appointments. In these ways, concierge medicine ensures a higher level of focus on individual patient health and wellness.
Concierge medicine is available at Orange County House Calls in Aliso Viejo and the surrounding area. Let us provide you with the individualized treatment you deserve. Call us today at 949-204-1334 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Understanding Concierge Medicine
Once considered exclusive, concierge medicine is now accessible to patients from diverse backgrounds. This model allows patients to receive high-quality, customized care from their physicians and is also known as boutique medicine, platinum practice, or direct primary care. It emphasizes both primary and preventive healthcare. Essentially, patients pay a retainer fee to hire the physician as an on-call doctor.
In exchange for an annual or monthly fee, concierge doctors limit their clientele while also providing enhanced access and longer appointment lengths. Since concierge medicine is retainer-based, it is readily available even to patients not covered by health insurance. Patients with health insurance may also opt for concierge care, such as if they have chronic conditions requiring vigilant treatment.
Traditional Primary Care vs. Concierge Medicine
The most significant difference between traditional primary care and concierge medicine is that the latter offers more convenient, customizable care. According to Healthline, primary care doctors see about 20 patients daily, while concierge doctors see about six to eight patients a day. Therefore, concierge medicine gives patients more time to discuss their symptoms and health concerns in depth. A smaller patient load also makes the wait times to see a concierge doctor shorter than they are to see a traditional primary care doctor.
Another key distinction lies in the accessibility and continuity of care. Concierge medicine often includes 24/7 access to the physician, direct communication through phone or email, and the flexibility to schedule same-day or next-day appointments. In contrast, traditional primary care models can bring limited availability outside of office hours, potentially delaying timely care and follow-up.
How To Determine if You Are a Candidate for Concierge Medicine
As with any other healthcare decision, patients should consider all their options before opting for concierge medicine. For one thing, it is essential to note that patients will still need health insurance to go to the emergency room or see a specialist. Those who need a specialist may need to do their own research to find a reputable provider covered by their insurance. Plus, as mentioned earlier, concierge care is an out-of-pocket expense, meaning patients must pay the membership fee themselves.
Patients should also consider how frequently they plan on using the service. For patients with conditions that require several doctor visits, concierge medicine can be an effective alternative to conventional primary care. However, patients who do not anticipate using the service frequently may be better suited to seeing a traditional physician.
The Concierge Medicine Process
The concierge medicine process starts with a consultation appointment to establish care. The physician will focus on learning about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and health goals. This comprehensive assessment helps establish a baseline for the patient’s care, as the physician will tailor future treatments to better suit that individual patient’s needs. Detailed screenings or wellness evaluations may be done early on to address potential health concerns proactively and ensure that patient care is optimized from the start.
Scheduling in concierge medicine is designed to prioritize convenience and flexibility, including for the first appointment. Unlike traditional practices, concierge medicine appointments are not rushed, allowing for thorough discussions about health, treatments, and preventive strategies.
Call Us Today
If you have a chronic health condition, are uninsured, or are simply looking for personalized, quality healthcare, concierge medicine may be right for you. Our team at Orange County House Calls can help. Call us today at 949-204-1334 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What types of services are included in concierge medicine?
A. Concierge medicine typically includes comprehensive primary and preventive care services. These may involve annual physicals, chronic disease management, wellness and nutrition consultations, diagnostic testing, and routine checkups. Some practices also offer specialized services such as mental health support, travel medicine consultations, or fitness evaluations.
Q. Does concierge medicine replace health insurance?
A. Concierge medicine does not replace health insurance but instead complements it. The retainer fee covers the personalized care and access provided by the concierge doctor, while health insurance is still necessary for specialist care, hospitalizations, and procedures not included in the membership. Many patients use their insurance to cover lab work, imaging, or referrals initiated by their concierge doctor.
Q. How does concierge medicine handle emergencies?
A. While concierge doctors do not provide emergency services directly, they can coordinate with emergency medical teams or specialists to ensure appropriate care. Many concierge physicians establish protocols to address emergencies, such as partnerships with local hospitals or urgent care. This collaborative approach helps streamline care during critical moments.
Q. How does concierge medicine support preventive care?
A. Physicians working in concierge medicine often dedicate more time to understanding a patient’s health history, lifestyle, and risk factors. This approach enables them to create personalized wellness plans that address potential health concerns before they become serious. Regular screenings, health assessments, and lifestyle counseling are integral components of preventive care in a concierge setting.
Q. How does concierge medicine work when the doctor is out of town?
A. Since every patient’s situation is different, discussing the best course of action with Dr. Sina Khaneki ensures proper planning in case of unavailability. Concierge practices often provide access to an on-call physician, trusted referrals, or guidance on urgent care. These contingency measures ensure continuity of care, even when the primary doctor is unavailable.
Contact Us
Orange County House Calls is located at
15 Mareblu Ste 230A
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656