Is the United States ready to embrace concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine (also called retainer practices or consumer-focused care) represents a new approach to the delivery of primary care. This model involves more personalized attention and greater resources for individual patients, thus limiting the number of patients who can be served at each practice. All enrolled members must pay an annual membership fee or retainer. Given the short history and novelty of concierge medicine, this article explores the clinical, economic, marketing, ethical, and policy implications of this innovative approach to primary care.
French
Michael T
MT
Departments of Sociology, Epidemiology and Public Health, and Economics, Health Economics Research Group, Coral Gables, Florida, USA. mfrench@miami.edu
Homer
Jenny F
JF
Klevay
Shay
S
Goldman
Edward
E
Ullmann
Steven G
SG
Kahn
Barbara E
BE
D032982:Contracts / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States