The Hybrid Approach to Concierge Medicine: A Quiet Evolution That Should be Making Some Noise

By Wayne Lipton, Managing Partner, Concierge Choice Physicians

Why do most conversations about Concierge Care fail to mention the one model that is good for all patients, employers, the health systems and even third-party payers?  For over twenty years, Concierge Choice Physicians LLC has been creating hybrid membership models for our clients, in which patients can choose to be concierge members or continue as traditional patients. Membership is an option, not a requirement. No patients are dismissed or disenfranchised.

These hybrid models are generally consistent with maintaining third party payor relationships.

In fact, one of the nation’s largest health insurance companies recently noted:

“We will allow our contracted network providers to charge concierge/boutique medicine fees with the following restrictions: You must give members the choice of paying the concierge membership fee.” 

Concierge care, which allows patients to pay a membership fee for enhanced services from their physicians, is becoming an increasingly popular care delivery option. Many large healthcare groups are adopting our hybrid model, which combines traditional and concierge approaches. This structure supports their strategy of vertical integration (the management of multiple stages of patient care) while retaining referral relationships.

Unlike pure concierge practices that significantly limit the number of patients, the hybrid model allows doctors to maintain larger patient panels while still offering premium services to those who opt in. This ensures broader access for all patients and supports organizational growth and business objectives.

Healthcare organizations are also using concierge models as a workforce tool. Concierge programs extend the careers of senior physicians. Rather than retiring early, physicians can continue practicing at a pace that suits them for all or part of the day—seeing patients, mentoring younger physicians, and maintaining revenue and productivity goals.  They are also used to incentivize physicians, improve physician satisfaction and even recruit new physicians in competitive markets.

Today, Concierge Choice Physicians works with some of the nation’s largest physician groups and health systems, helping them implement hybrid programs that meet current market demand. These programs generate substantial revenue with little or no additional expense.
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So why do so few conversations focus on the hybrid approach? Every day, more healthcare delivery systems are recognizing its value. It is a quiet evolution—one that should be making some noise.