As concierge medicine gains traction across large medical groups and health systems, leaders are asking how this once boutique approach fits within today’s complex care models. Keith Elgart, CEO of Concierge Choice Physicians—a pioneer in hybrid concierge programs—shares insights from two decades of experience and answers the questions he hears most often from healthcare administrators and physician leaders exploring this innovative approach.
Q: How can a healthcare organization that relies on a large patient base support concierge medicine, which limits patients by design?
A: Today’s approach to concierge medicine is much more flexible than before, with models that don’t limit the size of a patient panel. For example, CCP’s “Hybrid Choice” concierge approach allows physicians to offer membership as an optional service for patients who want more time and support. No patients are dismissed or relocated—those who don’t opt in remain traditional patients in the practice, as before. Referral networks remain intact.
Q: Isn’t managing both concierge and traditional patients stressful for doctors already under pressure?
A: Hybrid programs typically involve just 5–10% of a physician’s patient panel, so it’s not overwhelming. Physicians are often surprised to find those who join are generally their most loyal and appreciative patients, not patients who demand a lot of attention. Doctors consistently report great satisfaction with the slower, more personalized pace during concierge hours. It’s a return to an old-school style of medicine—with the appropriate compensation.
Q: What is your experience collaborating with physicians in health systems?
A: When Concierge Choice Physicians started more than two decades ago, our focus was on hybrid and full model programs for private physicians. But as the industry changed, many of our clients began to sell their practices to large medical groups. Management at these groups quickly noticed that the programs generated significant revenue, enhanced physician satisfaction, increased patient loyalty, and weren’t disruptive to the business structure of the practice.
As one client at a large health system said, “success attracts attention.” Interest quickly spread among other physicians and now large healthcare organizations are our fastest growing market. Concierge medicine programs are now integral parts of physician retention and recruitment programs, extending careers of senior physicians and incentivizing younger physicians with the opportunity to generate more revenue and practice at their preferred pace, for even just part of their day.
Q: Do all doctors in the network need to participate?
A: No. Concierge programs can be offered by just a few physicians throughout the network—or even a single doctor within a group practice. The key is thoughtful program design and marketing. CCP uses a data-driven approach to help administrators decide who would be right for a concierge program and what they can expect in terms of revenue and membership.
Q: What kind of doctor is best suited for a concierge program?
A: Primary care physicians are a natural fit due to their ongoing patient relationships. But other specialists, like cardiologists, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and even nurse practitioners, are also successful provided they have strong, long-term patient connections. The strength of the doctor-patient relationship and the right program structure are the essential factors.
Q: Do you see concierge medicine as key to the future of large medical groups?
A: Absolutely. These are challenging times in healthcare. Patients are frustrated by long waits and what they perceive as impersonal care. Physicians feel burned out. Concierge medicine offers a practical solution to improve revenue, physician satisfaction, and the patient experience—without disrupting the existing practice structure. Our clients that have launched programs in healthcare organizations often expand quickly, as other doctors take interest. When structured properly, membership medicine is a win for physicians, patients, and healthcare organizations overall. In fact, they have even been a win for our not-for-profit clients too, generating substantial revenue to support community-based missions.
Q: What should a health system do if they want to explore membership medicine?
A: We encourage healthcare administrators to contact us. It is very simple to set up a small, risk-free pilot program where they can test membership medicine in their medical practices. Contact Concierge Choice Physicians directly at 877.888.5590, answers@ccpmd.com, or visit our website at www.ccpmd.com/healthsystems for a broad overview of how a health system can benefit from the right concierge choice.
