What Is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model that offers patients direct access to their physician, extended appointment times, personalized comprehensive care along with specialty care coordination and advocacy.
This approach emphasizes preventative health, wellness planning, and long-term doctor-patient relationships. With a focus on availability, continuity, and proactive treatment, concierge medicine supports individuals in achieving their optimal health through a more customized and attentive medical experience.
Concierge Medicine vs. Typical Primary Care
Unlike typical medical practices where primary care doctors have a patient panel of several thousand patients, a concierge practice will limit physician panel size to just several hundred patients, and in the case of The Village Doctor, less than half of that. Large patient panels result in short visits and long wait times, and they require the doctor to focus only on the problem at hand without the time to spend on long-term and preventive care. Smaller patient panels means concierge physicians have time to more fully care for their patients and are more available to them on a day-to-day or even hour-to-hour basis.
Typical Primary Care
A typical primary care practice is a healthcare model where physicians manage a large panel of patients, often numbering 1,500 to 2,500 individuals. Care is generally delivered through scheduled appointments during regular office hours, with limited time—often only 10 to 15 minutes—allocated per visit. Services are billed through insurance, and access to the physician outside of office visits is often limited.
Concierge Medicine
A typical concierge medicine practice is a membership-based healthcare model in which patients pay an annual or monthly fee to receive enhanced medical access and highly personalized care. These practices intentionally limit the number of patients per physician to allow for longer appointments, same- or next-day scheduling, 24/7 direct communication, and a focus on prevention and wellness, all with an emphasis on building a strong, continuous doctor-patient relationship. Fees generally cover access and time, while insurance may still be used for specialty care, labs, imaging, or hospitalizations.
The Village Doctor Difference
Choosing concierge medicine comes with various benefits. Let’s break these down:
| Category | The Village Doctor | Typical Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
Access to Physician |
24/7 physician access; patients feel supported at all times |
Limited or no access to physician; reliance on voicemail, portals, or mid-level providers |
Appointment Availability |
Same-day or next-day |
Long wait times to schedule |
Visit Duration |
Longer visits, time to discuss multiple concerns thoroughly |
Rushed 10–15 minute visits; patients feel unheard or dismissed |
Patient Panel Size |
~125 patients per doctor; fosters meaningful relationships |
~2,000–3,000 patients per doctor; doctors are overburdened and less available |
Personalization of Care |
Tailored care plans, lifestyle medicine, genomics, integrative support |
Generic care plans due to time and resource constraints |
Coordination of Care |
Doctor acts as a health quarterback, coordinating diagnostics and specialty care |
Fragmented care, often little coordination or follow-up between providers |
Preventive Focus |
Strong emphasis on prevention, early detection, longevity, and wellness coaching |
Restricted focus on anything beyond immediate issues due to limited time and billing constraints |
Continuity of Care |
Following the concierge model, patients see the same doctor |
Patients often see mid-level providers or different doctors due to panel size and business model |
Communication |
Direct, prompt, ongoing communication with patients |
Patients often have to wait days for follow-up calls or portal messages |
Patient Satisfaction |
Patients feel valued, heard, and cared for |
Frustration due to feeling like “just a number” in a bureaucratic system |
Billing Simplicity |
Transparent membership fee; month-to-month contract |
Frustrating opaque insurance experience, with surprise billing, coverage denials, and a confusing coding system |
Convenience & Comfort |
Warm, welcoming environment, no wait times, and accommodating hours |
Longer waits in crowded waiting rooms; rigid scheduling |
How much does concierge medicine cost?
In metropolitan areas, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, concierge medicine fees range from $10,000 to upwards of $50,000 per person, per year. This membership fee grants patients enhanced access to their physician, longer appointments, and a highly personalized approach to care. Some practices offer monthly payment options, and while the membership covers access and time with the doctor, insurance may still be used for specialty care, labs, imaging, prescriptions, and hospital services.
How does concierge medicine work with insurance?
Concierge medicine works differently with insurance compared with traditional practices.
The retainer fee you pay for concierge services generally covers the doctor’s availability and time but is separate from your insurance.
In most cases, you’ll still need health insurance to cover hospital stays, lab tests, specialist visits, emergency care, and other services your concierge doctor doesn’t provide.
Some concierge practices do bill insurance for certain services, but this varies, so it’s essential to clarify how your insurance works with the concierge model before signing up.
Many people who use concierge medicine sign up for high deductible health insurance plans.
Meet Your Concierge Medicine Team
Meet Our Team of Experts
Our team of private practice doctors, pediatricians, and wellness specialists are committed to providing the highest standard of care. At The Village Doctor, we see ourselves as your partners in health. With our unique blend of expertise and dedication to personalized care, we are here to support you and your family every step of the way.
Dr. Eric Weiss
Director
Dr. Sky Pittson
Pediatrics
Dr. Jacqueline Phillips
Pediatrics
Dr. Milton McColl
Family Medicine
Dr. Maia Mossé
Internal Medicine
Dr. Alan Spira
Primary Care
Dr. Angela Jiang
Family Medicine
What our patients say
Frequently Asked Questions
How is concierge care different from a regular primary care practice?
The main difference is time and access. At The Village Doctor, concierge care is designed to give patients a more responsive and individualized experience than a typical busy primary care office.
What does the membership include?
Your membership typically includes enhanced access to your physician, longer office visits, preventive care, and a more personalized relationship with your care team.
Who is concierge medicine a good fit for?
It may be a good fit for patients who value convenience, continuity, preventive care, and a stronger doctor-patient relationship.
Does The Village Doctor offer care for the whole family?
Yes, The Village Doctor describes itself as a concierge medicine practice for families, with expertise across pediatrics, internal medicine, and emergency medicine.
What other wellness services does The Village Doctor offer?
The Village Doctor also highlights wellness support, including acupuncture, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and massage therapy under one roof.
How does the membership model work at The Village Doctor?
The Village Doctor uses a membership-style model where patients pay a fee in exchange for access to concierge medical care and a closer doctor-patient relationship.
A Thoughtful Perspective on Concierge Care
For those who value convenience, personalized attention, and a strong, lasting relationship with their doctor, concierge medicine can be a truly transformative approach to healthcare. At The Village Doctor, we believe care works best when there’s time to listen, time to think, and time to truly care.
If you’re seeking a more thoughtful and connected path to better health—and you’re ready to invest in that experience—we’d be honored to be your partner in care.
Let's Connect
For questions about membership, please fill out the form below.
