Concierge Medicine: A Double-Edged Sword in Primary Care Access
Becker's Physician Leadership
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
Concierge medicine is emerging as a response to the primary care physician shortage, particularly in Massachusetts, where practices are moving to a membership model that requires an annual fee alongside insurance premiums. This shift has elicited mixed reactions; some patients criticize the additional costs while others appreciate the improved access to care it may offer. Critics argue that concierge services primarily benefit affluent patients, potentially worsening healthcare access in underserved areas. While some patients have left these practices due to the fees, others believe the model can enhance care quality for those who remain.
