Dr. Alan Sheff, who charges patients an additional $1,800 a year, is able to spend more time with his patients. <\/p>\n
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) <\/p>\n
Patients can receive this type of comprehensive service from a growing number of primary care doctors who've switched to concierge medicine. But it comes at a price, often hundreds or thousands of dollars a year, and at a time when many Americans are already struggling to afford their insurance and medical care. <\/p>\n
Concierge doctors generally charge patients a membership fee -- typically $1,800 a year -- outside of the traditional insurance system. They often have fewer patients -- usually no more than 600, compared to 2,500-plus for a typical physician -- so they can spend more time with each one. <\/p>\n
Beyond those common traits, there are many models of concierge medicine, which is also called private physician or direct pay practices. Some doctors target the wealthy, charging five-figures to handle all aspects of their health care, from negotiating bills with hospitals to being in the operating room. Others charge a flat rate of $50 a month for appointments. <\/p>\n
For some physicians, the annual fee covers all office visits. At other practices, it only buys patients a comprehensive yearly exam, as well as same-day appointments and after-hours access. <\/p>\n
Whatever the model, patients still need traditional insurance to cover specialists' visits, hospitalizations and other diagnostic testing, such as MRIs. <\/p>\n
Related: Paying thousands before health insurance even kicks in <\/p>\n
Many doctors shy away from the term \"concierge\" because it connotes that it's for an exclusive club. They are not practicing \"wealth care,\" as a few of those interviewed termed it. <\/p>\n
Instead, these doctors are increasingly positioning themselves as health care providers for middle class Americans who value wellness. <\/p>\n
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'Wealth care' or next big thing in medicine?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Dr. Alan Sheff, who charges patients an additional $1,800 a year, is able to spend more time with his patients. NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Patients can receive this type of comprehensive service from a growing number of primary care doctors who've switched to concierge medicine Continue reading