Is Concierge Medicine Right for You? A Career Path Worth Exploring
For physicians seeking more autonomy, deeper patient relationships, and an alternative to the pressures of traditional practice, concierge medicine is gaining attention—and momentum.
Concierge medicine (also called “retainer-based” or “membership” medicine) is a healthcare delivery model in which patients pay an annual or monthly fee directly to their physician or practice. In return, patients typically receive highly personalized care, greater access, longer appointment times, and often 24/7 communication via phone or text.
The appeal for physicians lies in the ability to limit workload, reduce administrative burdens, and re-focus on high-quality, relationship-driven care.
How Many Physicians Are Working in Concierge Medicine?
Estimates vary, but it’s believed that around 12,000 U.S. physicians currently practice concierge or membership-based medicine.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for your next job, now is a good time to see if concierge medicine could be the right fit for you.
Types of Concierge Medicine Practices
Here’s a look at the range of practice structures that fall under the concierge umbrella. These may include:
- Pure concierge models. Patients pay a flat fee for comprehensive services. Note that insurance may not be billed at all.
- Hybrid models. The practice bills insurance but also charges a retainer for enhanced access or services.
- Direct primary care (DPC) – A simplified version of concierge medicine that’s often focused on affordability and access (typically without insurance billing).
If all of those options pique your curiosity, next explore resources like:
- The American Academy of Private Physicians (AAPP)
- The Concierge Medicine Forum
- Industry newsletters and white papers from concierge groups like MDVIP, SignatureMD, or Castle Connolly Private Health Partners
Preparing to Enter the World of Concierge Medicine
If you’re considering applying for a position in a concierge practice, or launching one yourself, here are a few steps to consider:
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Refine Your CV with a Concierge Emphasis
When applying to concierge or DPC opportunities, tailor your curriculum vitae (CV) to highlight:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience with preventive and holistic care
- Patient satisfaction metrics or awards
- EMR fluency and operational efficiency
- Entrepreneurial or private practice experience
Include a brief, clear summary at the top that conveys your patient-first philosophy and interest in non-traditional practice models.
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Research the Business Side
Even if you’re not starting your own practice, it helps to understand how concierge models function financially. Familiarize yourself with:
- Membership pricing models
- Overhead management with smaller panels
- Billing practices (or lack thereof)
- Staffing and tech solutions tailored to low-volume practices
If you’re joining an established concierge practice, expect questions about your comfort level with smaller panels, personalized service, and more hands-on patient interaction.
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Be Prepared for a Culture Shift
Concierge medicine is not just about fewer patients—it’s about deeper relationships and higher expectations. You’ll need to be responsive, flexible, and attentive to detail.
For some, this is a dream come true. For others, the shift from the traditional “clinic churn” model to concierge-style intimacy requires an adjustment in pace and mindset.
So … Is Concierge Medicine a Fit for You?
If you’re a physician who values quality over quantity, prioritizes work-life balance, and is energized by strong patient relationships, concierge medicine might be worth a look!
Ready to find your next job?
