Hybrid concierge options gaining traction with geriatricians

A growing number of geriatricians and physicians with large senior populations are turning to alternative practice models, including direct pay, full-model and hybrid concierge programs, according to Concierge Choice Physicians.

Organizations such as Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based CCP, a hybrid concierge medicine company, have seen double-digit growth over the past year, officials say. Wayne Lipton, managing partner for CCP, said a significant portion of patients choosing the hybrid concierge option are seniors.

“As we march through our senior years the complexities of taking care of our health grow, and the ability to cope with and manage illness and disease tends to diminish,” said Lipton. “With the nation moving toward a factory medicine approach to care for the growing number of insureds, a truly personalized approach to care from a single physician that has a relationship with a patient is vanishing. Seniors are turning to concierge options to provide the personalized relationship with a physician they want and need.”

Under concierge programs such as CCP’s, patients can obtain same-day appointments, scheduling services and 24-hour direct phone and e-mail access to their physician. The hybrid model also offers medical and personal services that are generally not covered by traditional insurance plans or Medicare. The fee averages about $150 a month. Children up to age 25 may participate under their parents’ program at no additional charge.

CCP’s hybrid model allows physicians to continue to see patients, while also working with those who want a concierge service. CCP officials say physicians offering CCP’s hybrid model care for more than 300,000 traditional and concierge patients.

CCP officials say they apply a hybrid model of concierge care in a flexible fashion to meet the varying needs of physicians and patients. CCP gives patients the choice to continue in a traditional medical practice (including seeing internists and specialists, such as cardiologists, who provide a large portion of primary care) or join the concierge model. No patient is forced to choose between taking the concierge option and finding a new doctor.

According to CCP officvials, the hybrid model doesn't take good doctors out of the system, but encourages them to continue to provide care to all their patients.