With a growing aging population and a physician shortage, it’s certainly a challenging time in medicine. Physicians, particularly primary or family care doctors, value the doctor-patient relationship too. They don’t want to practice in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment either. They want time to spend with patients, to find the root cause of illness, provide lifestyle support, and help with treatment compliance.
But what can be done? Private physician practices, as well as those now owned by large medical groups and institutions, are struggling. How can we improve trust between patients and physicians in such a high-stress environment? What is it that patients want in a practice experience? How can we meet those needs and still stay afloat? As the Wall Street Journal article pointed out, patients don’t want to feel like just a number on a chart. They want a medical advocate—someone who is looking out for them, coordinating their care and communicating with them, addressing their concerns and questions. They don’t want automated attendants, lab results through portals, or an inability to see the same doctor twice. In today’s healthcare marketplace, that’s concierge care. And, in response to patient demand, concierge care is growing every day, especially in large medical groups, hospitals, and healthcare organizations. With declining reimbursements and a high volume of patients to serve, it’s really the only way that doctors can afford to take that extra time with patients and serve as their go-to doctor at each appointment. This may seem unfair or unfortunate, but as today’s physicians and practice managers understand all too well, it feels like it’s either concierge care or volume care. The in-between is becoming impossible. Fortunately, there are concierge models that allow physicians to offer both concierge care and traditional care, even in large healthcare organizations. These programs are exploding in popularity because they meet the need for patients to have the enhanced practice experience they want, without causing a medical practice to go under. The satisfaction rate for concierge patients is extremely high. How do we know? Because we survey thousands of members in hundreds of concierge programs each year, compiling the results and comparing them. At a time when a chief complaint from patients is that they feel like just a number, 90% of concierge patients feel their physician and the physician’s office staff are always available to them when they need care and support. When asked how likely they would be to recommend their concierge physician to a friend, the responses are overwhelmingly positive. Perhaps most telling are the comments from patients. Unlike the comments in the Wall Street Journal article, comments from concierge patients refer to physicians as “blessings.” Their doctor makes them feel like family. The staff helps them with paperwork and with other specialists they may see. The ability to connect easily with their doctor gives them peace of mind when they feel most vulnerable. There is no doubt that the service and support a concierge patient receives leads to greater satisfaction. It’s unfortunate that this approach can’t extend to all patients. In a perfect world, every doctor would be able to practice this “old school” style of medicine and every patient could be cared for in this manner. But those of us in healthcare know it simply isn’t possible today. We must therefore focus on rebuilding trust between doctors and patients, without alienating anyone. A flexible approach to concierge care could be the key to achieving this balance. Doctors and practice managers should explore models that allow for full patient panels while offering concierge care as an option for those who want a more personalized experience. This solution allows patients to take more control of their healthcare, while enabling physicians to provide the kind of compassionate, individualized support that originally drew them to medicine. For practices affiliated with large healthcare organizations, this model not only boosts patient satisfaction but also improves physician morale—two of their most pressing challenges. By embracing a blend of traditional and concierge care, we can begin to restore the trust that has eroded over time, ensuring that both patients and physicians find satisfaction in their healthcare experiences.
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The model took off. Concierge medicine is, after all, an excellent way to practice and experience medicine. But it became increasingly clear that not all physicians could transition their medical practice to an exclusive concierge practice. Perhaps their patient base was small, or they were practicing in a more rural, less wealthy area. And many doctors who could successfully make the transition didn’t want to dismiss patients who couldn’t afford to join.
However, even though these doctors couldn’t or wouldn’t transition to an exclusive concierge medicine practice, they still saw the value in membership medicine. The value that exists in bonus revenue that would stabilize a private practice struggling with declining reimbursements, and the value in patient relationships that were being threatened by the pressure of volume care. That was when the first major change began. A New, Blended Approach That Offers Choice Emerges I am proud to have pioneered what I call “the hybrid approach” to concierge care. Twenty years ago, I built an entire company around this opportunity. I called my company “Concierge Choice Physicians” (CCP) precisely because choice was what was missing in the industry, and choice is still what actually matters today. Physicians needed choices, not an all-or-nothing model. And patients want the choice to select the practice experience that’s right for them. Initially there were skeptics that said a blended model, where a physician could offer concierge care as a service option for patients who want this level of support, would never work. Why would a patient buy a concierge membership when they could continue to see their doctor as a traditional patient? These skeptics underestimated how much patients valued the relationship they had with their doctor. Our model skyrocketed in popularity. CCP became the second largest company in the industry, and the only company that allowed physicians to decide the kind of membership medicine they wanted to offer: a full practice transition, or the hybrid approach. Because we were flexible and physician-friendly, we developed a reputation built on trust. Physicians could and still do trust us because we don’t force them into a particular model. In fact, our very first client is still our client. We never forced physicians to overhaul their practice in order to participate. They could dip their toe into concierge medicine with a hybrid program. Without any upfront costs, they could test it, check the reaction from their staff and patients, and see how the revenue impacted their bottom line. And because the nature of a hybrid program means traditional patients remain, we had ongoing relationships with clients that offered continuous marketing and support. We weren’t consultants that swooped in, upended everything, and left. Our relationship was always built on ongoing service and support. Models That Adapt as the Market Changes The flexibility of our approach is what has contributed to our longevity. When we launched, it was mostly private primary care physicians who contracted with us. They had ongoing relationships with patients so they were naturally the right fit. But soon, specialists got on board. In fact, some of our most successful clients have been cardiologists and rheumatologists, gastroenterologists and endocrinologists. Today, we have unique programs to support pediatricians, gynecologists and more. The biggest change has occurred in the last decade, with large medical groups absorbing small private practices. As the pool of private physicians able to make their own business decisions declined, we wondered how a shrinking private market would impact our growth. It turned out we didn’t need to worry at all. A funny thing happened. When large healthcare organizations purchased a client’s practice, they quickly recognized the value in the existing hybrid concierge program. For example, a Hybrid Choice program with just 50 members can generate an additional $100k in new, private revenue. Why would a health system want to cancel that? They didn’t. Large healthcare organizations are now our fastest growing market. They have the same challenges as small private solo physicians, but at a larger scale. Our programs are scaling to meet their needs. At one time it seemed concierge medicine was incompatible with a vertically integrated healthcare organization that relies on third party payers and referrals. But our hybrid programs don’t interfere with their business structure, they just add revenue. And, it turns out, there are more perks. CCP’s blended models have proven instrumental in improving physician satisfaction by allowing doctors to practice a more satisfying style of medicine for a period of their day while generating bonus revenue. They are being used to extend the careers of senior physicians who would otherwise retire. And they are being offered as an incentive to recruit new, high-quality physicians to a network. Patients also report high levels of satisfaction when they get to select the practice experience they want to have: traditional or enhanced. A Future with Choices So what have we learned from all of this? Twenty years ago, I felt strongly that the future of the industry lay in flexibility. I knew there was a strong market for concierge care and I could see the consolidation of medicine on the horizon. Today, there are other changes looming on the horizon. Change is the only constant, after all. I remain confident that a company built on choice can adapt to whatever comes next: AI, direct pay, telemedicine, physician shortages, changes to Medicare payment structures, etc. After all, it’s not the strongest that survive. It’s the most adaptive! Concierge medicine will continue to grow in popularity and diversity. CCP will continue to adapt our programs to meet the needs of physicians, healthcare organizations and patients in a changing and often challenging marketplace. Allison Geddish, CCP Director of Membership Development, discusses CCP’s ongoing marketing that supports programs at the launch, and year after year.
Unlike conventional concierge programs, CCP’s Hybrid Choice program is a unique style of membership medicine that works well in large healthcare organizations like SJPP. It allows physicians to provide the highest level of service to just those patients who want it, while continuing to see and care for all of the patients in their network. Patients are able to choose the practice experience they want. No patients are ever turned away, and the physicians continue to accept insurance and Medicare. A portion of the revenue generated from membership fees supports St. John’s charitable mission to serve all, especially the most poor and vulnerable.
“Several of my colleagues offered the CCP Hybrid Choice program, and so I was intrigued by the opportunity,” said Dr. Cutler. “Giving patients the ability to select the practice experience that suits them best is a wonderful service option in my practice. I look forward to partnering more closely with my members to help them achieve their best health.” With an aging patient population and high demand for services, the pressure on physicians today has never been greater. Healthcare organizations are increasingly turning to membership medicine to meet the needs of patients who want more service and support, while also improving physician satisfaction and generating much needed revenue. In fact, large medical groups are now the fastest growing market for CCP. “Healthcare organizations see the importance of membership medicine within their network,” says Keith Elgart, Chief Operating Officer at CCP. “The benefits go beyond supporting revenue goals. These programs have become an important part of physician retention strategies. The personal satisfaction that physicians experience practicing this style of medicine is extending careers, and the programs are also being used an incentive to attract and retain new, high-quality physicians. Patients, too, appreciate the opportunity to have a closer doctor/patient relationship.” Dr. David Cutler practices at Santa Monica Family Physicians, located at 901 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401. His Hybrid Choice program is available for an annual membership fee. For more information on the program or to join, contact Concierge Choice Physicians at (877) 888-5590 or email [email protected]. About Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP) Dedicated to providing real options for patients and physicians, Concierge Choice Physicians™ is the largest private provider of the full range of concierge programs available today—Hybrid and FullFlex™. The company provides innovative, flexible and affordable models proven to work in medical practices of any size—from solo physicians to large medical practice corporations—both independent and affiliated with hospitals or health systems. Headquartered in Rockville Centre, NY, the company has worked with more than 500 physicians in 29 states. For more information, please visit www.ccpmd.com.
The CCP Hybrid Choice program is unique in that it offers patients the choice to join, or to remain in the traditional practice, as before. The patient decides what’s right for them. The physician continues to accept insurance and government programs, as before.
The program includes a greater emphasis on lifestyle coaching and preventive health. Members enjoy a closer doctor-patient relationship, convenient ways to connect with their cardiologist directly, even after hours, and relaxed, same-day/next-day appointments that never feel rushed. They receive enhanced support and service from staff members, and medical advocacy and coordination with other health providers the patient may see. It’s a comprehensive, enhanced practice experience that can be difficult to provide in today’s busy, high-need medical marketplace. “Managing heart health often requires a level of trust between a doctor and patient, something can take time to build. This special program allows for that time,” says Dr. Caruso. “I look forward to practicing this personalized style of medicine and guiding my patients toward their best health. I believe the extra service and peace of mind can be transformative.” Heart Specialists of Sarasota has two locations: 1950 Arlington Street, Suite 400, Sarasota, FL 34239 and 435 S. Osprey Avenue, Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34239. For more information on Dr. Caruso’s Hybrid Choice program, patients can call (877) 888-5590 or email [email protected]. About Evan Caruso, MD, FACC Dr. Evan Caruso obtained his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his Internal Medicine training at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital from 2015-2018 accompanied by a focus in Medical Education. He went on to complete his fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Cooper University Hospital in 2021 and his advanced sub-specialty fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at Brown University in 2022. Dr. Caruso is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Adult Echocardiography, and Nuclear Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Caruso specializes in all aspects of cardiology with a particular interest in coronary and structural interventions, cardiogenic shock, and advanced mechanical circulatory support. About Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP) Dedicated to providing real options for patients and physicians, Concierge Choice Physicians™ is the largest private provider of the full range of concierge programs available today—Hybrid and FullFlex™. The company provides innovative, flexible and affordable models proven to work in medical practices of any size—from solo physicians to large medical practice corporations—both independent and affiliated with hospitals or health systems. Headquartered in Rockville Centre, NY, the company has worked with more than 500 physicians in 29 states. For more information, please visit www.ccpmd.com.
The CCP Hybrid Choice program is unique in that it offers patients the choice to join, or to remain in the traditional practice, as before. The patient decides what’s right for them. The physician continues to accept insurance and government programs, as before.
The program includes a greater emphasis on lifestyle coaching and preventive health. Members enjoy a closer doctor-patient relationship, convenient ways to connect with their cardiologist directly, even after hours, and relaxed, same-day/next-day appointments that never feel rushed. They receive enhanced support and service from staff members, and medical advocacy and coordination with other health providers the patient may see. It’s a comprehensive, enhanced practice experience that can be difficult to provide in today’s busy, high-need medical marketplace. “There is so much that goes into treating and managing issues related to the heart,” says Dr. Archer. “It’s very rewarding for me to be able to work more closely in partnership with my patients in all the ways I can. This is a wonderful program for patients who want that extra support in order to improve their long term health.” Heart Specialists of Sarasota has two locations: 1950 Arlington Street, Suite 400, Sarasota, FL 34239 and 1435 S. Osprey Avenue, Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34239. For more information on Dr. Archer’s Hybrid Choice program, patients can call (877) 888-5590 or email [email protected]. About Thomas P. Archer, MD, FACC, FHSA Dr. Thomas P. Archer received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency, chief residency and fellowship in Cardiology at The Ohio State University Hospitals. Dr. Archer is Board Certified in both Cardiovascular Diseases and Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology. Dr. Archer specializes in all facets of cardiology with an interest in general cardiology, critical care cardiology, cardiac echocardiography and valvular heart disease. He is a member of numerous professional and scientific societies including the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation, Heart Failure Society of America, and the Florida Medical Association. Dr. Archer’s passion is in caring for patients with all forms of Cardiomyopathy and Advanced Heart Failure. He enjoys exercising and spending time with his wife and four children. About Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP) Dedicated to providing real options for patients and physicians, Concierge Choice Physicians™ is the largest private provider of the full range of concierge programs available today—Hybrid and FullFlex™. The company provides innovative, flexible and affordable models proven to work in medical practices of any size—from solo physicians to large medical practice corporations—both independent and affiliated with hospitals or health systems. Headquartered in Rockville Centre, NY, the company has worked with more than 500 physicians in 29 states. For more information, please visit www.ccpmd.com. For physicians considering a shift to membership medicine, the decision can feel daunting. Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP) uses a data-driven approach that helps physicians make informed decisions about transitioning to a membership-based model—ensuring they understand the potential benefits and challenges before taking the plunge.
Is Membership Medicine Right for You? Membership models have come a long way since their inception 25 years ago. Initially, physicians had to adopt a full concierge model, where all the patients in the practice joined as members or had to leave and find a new doctor. CCP changed that 20 years ago when we pioneered the “hybrid model” of concierge medicine, allowing physicians to blend concierge service with their traditional practice. This opened up opportunities for a much wider array of physicians and their patients to benefit from membership medicine. Today, CCP continues to specialize in the implementation of a full range of membership models, including hybrid, full model and transitional programs. Using our proprietary research and data-driven analysis, we collaborate with each physician to further customize a model to meet their goals and needs. Matching Physicians to the Right Concierge Model Generally speaking, there are two main concierge medicine models that can help set some initial stakes in the ground: Classic, Full Model Programs: This is an ideal choice for physicians with large patient panels, those who wish to slow down their pace, doctors who are interested in transitioning closer toward retirement, and any doctor (including specialists) who sees patients on an ongoing basis. Blended Hybrid Programs: This model significantly broadens the playing field. The flexible nature of the program works well for physicians with smaller practices or doctors who are risk-averse and may prefer to take smaller steps toward membership medicine. It also works well for physicians who want the income boost that comes from concierge medicine, but don’t want to dismiss existing patients. The Role of Data in Predicting Success It’s essential that physicians have access to reliable, predictive information to help them understand their options. Patient demographics are only part of the picture. CCP’s proprietary research goes much further. We conduct an in-depth analysis of the practice’s patient data, examining various factors such as the number of active patients, the frequency of visits, and, perhaps most importantly, what patients actually think of their physician. Understanding patient loyalty is crucial. For example, CCP surveys patients to gauge satisfaction and engagement, helping to predict the level of success with each model. These insights have often surprised physicians. We’ve had clients with small practices who were certain they couldn’t support a full model, however, our analysis indicated deep patient loyalty and strong patient support for the program. Similarly, we worked with a specialist who was skeptical about concierge medicine. After a thorough evaluation, our analysis predicted great success. Initially nervous about being one of the first in their industry to make such a leap, the physician chose to start with a hybrid model. After quickly selling out their hybrid program, as our analysis predicted, they transitioned to a successful full-model program. When the data tells a different story Sometimes, the data leads to unexpected conclusions. For example, the initial data from a large medical practice in a high-wealth area may seem perfect for a full model program. But upon further examination, the data might reveal issues—such as a younger patient demographic or patients who frequently switch between multiple providers—that suggest a more cautious, hybrid approach would be better initially. As the old saying goes, “Trust, but verify.” Many physicians come to us when they are at a crossroads in their career, faced with a big decision like whether to sell their practice or make a leap into concierge medicine. Even when the data strongly suggests a full model program will be successful, some physicians may prefer to start with a hybrid model. They want to be absolutely certain before making any decision that could limit their patient panel. The key is establishing trust in the data and the analysis. Our clients have spent their careers building their practices, and we want to ensure they have accurate information before making a major change. Getting Started with Concierge Medicine For physicians interested in exploring membership medicine, the process starts with a casual, no-obligation consultation with CCP’s physician development team. Together, we then move forward with HIPAA-compliant data evaluation, ensuring the highest level of security and confidentiality. With data-driven insights and an array of flexible models to choose from, CCP helps physicians navigate the complexities of membership medicine with confidence. Conclusion As membership medicine grows, CCP's data-driven approach—integrating demographic, survey, and performance data collected over two decades—provides physicians, medical groups, and health systems with the tools and insights needed to make informed decisions. Whether transitioning to a hybrid model or adopting a full concierge offering, physicians can trust that CCP's analysis will guide them toward the best path for their unique needs, with the flexibility to make adjustments as they go. ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY – November 13, 2024 – Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP), the nation’s leading full-service concierge medical service provider, is pleased to announce that Dr. Margaret Greenough, a family medicine specialist in San Luis Obispo, CA, has opened a new medical practice offering patients the Concierge Choice FullFlex™ program. This exclusive full-practice membership model allows physicians and patients to spend more time together in a comprehensive, nurturing environment conducive to good health and wellness.
Dr. Greenough is part of a growing movement of physicians offering CCP’s FullFlex model of concierge medicine. This membership style of medicine limits the size of a physician’s medical practice, allowing for a more personalized approach to wellness with greater connectivity, enhanced lifestyle coaching, and emotional support delivered in a relaxed, convenient practice setting. Most importantly, Concierge Choice programs offer patients peace of mind. “My patients want to know they will always see me—the doctor they know and trust—when they make appointments,” says Dr. Greenough. “That’s why I felt strongly about opening this kind of practice, where I can make that commitment to patients.” Membership benefits include: same-day/next-day appointments with extended visit times so patients never feel rushed; a dedicated concierge coordinator at the office to answer calls and facilitate care; convenient email communication; direct after-hours support via Dr. Greenough’s private cell number; patient advocacy and enhanced coordination with specialists and other health providers; and a comprehensive annual exam with customized screenings for each patient. “Welcoming my patients to this new style of medicine has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dr. Greenough adds. “I love having the time to truly get to know my patients, advocate for them and help them navigate their health challenges in a comprehensive, convenient manner. It’s a wonderful way to practice medicine.” Dr. Greenough’s practice is located at 4251 S. Higuera Street, #701, San Luis Obispo, CA. Her Concierge Choice medical program is available for an annual membership fee. For more information on the program or to join, contact Concierge Choice Physicians at (877) 888-5590. About Margaret Greenough, MD Dr. Margaret Greenough is a Family Medicine Specialist in San Luis Obispo, CA with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from UCLA School of Medicine in 2010 and completed her residency at the University of Michigan in 2013. Outside of her medical practice, Dr. Greenough enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with her family. About Concierge Choice Physicians (CCP) Dedicated to providing real options for patients and physicians, Concierge Choice Physicians is the largest private provider of the full range of concierge programs available today—Hybrid and FullFlex™. The company provides innovative, flexible and affordable models proven to work in medical practices of any size—from solo physicians to large medical practice corporations—both independent and affiliated with hospitals or health systems. Headquartered in Rockville Centre, NY, the company has worked with more than 500 physicians in 29 states. For more information, please visit www.ccpmd.com. According to a recent survey by the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), 92% of medical group leaders report their operating expenses have increased in 2024. It’s no surprise. In fact, this continuing trend has gotten worse over the last few years.
MGMA discusses ways that medical practices and healthcare organizations are attempting to buffer these rising expenses by consolidating facilities and examining other costs. But what if you’ve done that? What if you’ve already squeezed as much as you can from your budget, your operating costs and your providers are maxed out? Medical practices and healthcare organizations are a unique business. The MGMA article points out that medical practices are “caught between the rock of set payments and the hard place of increased costs.” They can’t just increase the fee for patient visits, and they can’t keep adding patients without burning out physicians and providers at every level. It can feel overwhelming, like there is no way to bridge this fiscal gap. There is good news though. Practice managers and administrators are now recognizing the value of membership medicine as a way to substantially increase revenue, particularly in primary care practices that have traditionally underperformed. Many healthcare organizations today are adding new, private revenue through membership medicine programs. In fact, at Concierge Choice Physicians, healthcare organizations are now our fastest growing market. We are currently working with hospital systems, regional healthcare groups, not-for-profit institutions, physician-owned medical groups, and even large specialty practices. Our membership medicine programs come in many shapes and sizes, and they adjust to suit the needs of the healthcare organization and its patients. Some have added a Hybrid Choice™ program, which gives patients the option to join a physician’s concierge program or remain in the traditional practice. Other healthcare organizations have implemented full-model Concierge Choice programs based on high demand from patients. Still others have a mix of both, or have programs that evolve as patients and physicians grow more comfortable. The point is, today’s membership medicine programs are flexible. They have integrated to become a key part of revenue plans for many large medical groups and organizations. For example, on average, revenue from a typical Hybrid Choice program increases a physician’s revenue by 30%. This easily makes up for the increase in operating expenses, and then some. Simple Hybrid Choice programs have turned primary care practices that were losing money into actual profit centers, not just referral sources. The financial benefits go beyond just the new, private revenue stream. Think about how much physician burn out and turnover costs your organization. Physicians who practice membership medicine for even just part of their day report high levels of satisfaction with their job. The slower, more personalized pace allows them to practice the kind of medicine they enjoy in an unhurried environment, without sacrificing revenue. Many practice managers and business administrators are using membership medicine to extend the careers of senior physicians who might otherwise retire. These programs are also being used as a recruitment tool to attract and incentivize new, high-quality physicians. Membership medicine programs are even being used to attract a more loyal patient base in a competitive marketplace. After all, patients are feeling the same pressure practice managers and physicians are experiencing. They want conveniently scheduled appointments with the physician they always see, the one they prefer, who knows them. They don’t want to be shuffled around to whichever provider has time for them. They want help navigating a complicated healthcare system with several providers. They want to know that when they call, they’ll get a real human on the phone, and they are willing to pay for a membership program to secure that peace of mind. Practice administrators shouldn’t ignore this opportunity. Consider launching a pilot program of just one or just a small group of physicians as a test. That is how many of the healthcare organizations we work with began. Just one physician is all it takes to recognize the value in membership medicine. Our clients have expanded from there. Concierge Choice Physicians has many resources to help practice managers and administrators understand the opportunity in membership medicine. Here are a few articles that offer more detail: We also welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your healthcare organization and how our programs might help. Feel free to contact Concierge Choice Physicians at 877.888.5590 or email [email protected]. CCP is proud to honor the women physicians we support this September, for Women in Medicine month, and every month! Watch our short video showcasing the exceptional women physicians we work with. |
ABout CCPFor almost 20 years, Concierge Choice Physicians has served as the largest provider of the full range of concierge programs available today – including the Hybrid Choice™, Transitional and the FullFLEX™ models. Archives
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