Richard Spera, MD, the first “concierge” physician in Huntsville, Ala., has 57 patients who pay an annual fee of $1,000 or more in exchange for Dr. Spera’s cell phone number, a customized wellness plan and a promise not to rush through medical appointments.
Physicians could also choose to stop treating Medicare patients unless they pay an annual fee. Jon Moody, MD, is in the process of converting his medical practice behind Huntsville Hospital into a concierge-style one, where he will reduce his patient load from around 1,500 to 600 in late September.
Patients who cannot afford the annual fees required by “concierge” physicians could have trouble finding providers, according to the report.
Read the Huntsville Times report on concierge physicians.
Read more on physician compensation:
–5 Statistics About Orthopedic Surgeon Compensation
–El Camino Hospital Freezes Salaries Following $7.91M Loss This Year
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