Is your portal making you too available? Give your patients an option that works for everyone.

Anand P. Lothe, MD
CCP client with a Hybrid Choice ​program since 2008

Recently, a physician wrote about how access to a patient portal has turned his primary care practice into a reluctant concierge medicine practice, with patients asking questions and expecting quick responses day or night. I could relate. Modern technology is bringing a host of new, unexpected challenges to today’s physicians.
Patient portals may provide a level of ease and efficiency, but, as the physician rightly pointed out, they also create confusion, concern, and more questions. A portal is no substitute for a physician who knows you and your health history and who has the time to consult with you about your test results and the issues that matter to your health and well-being.

This kind of availability and support is concierge medicine, not a traditional medical practice in America today. But not every doctor wants to dismiss patients who may not be able to afford a membership. And not every patient needs this kind of personalized care. Yet, doctors can’t afford to provide this kind of time and attention to the patients who feel they do without receiving proper compensation. That is a simple fact.
That’s why I became convinced a hybrid concierge program is the solution to this problem. I launched my limited-membership program several years ago. Now, I  maintain my traditional practice, seeing all patients. No patients are dismissed or relocated. Yet, those patients who want more time and attention can have it by joining my concierge program. They get the support they want or feel they need, and I am properly compensated for providing that level of service and personalized, timely attention.


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