Finding a doctor can be challenging, especially when exploring concierge medicine for the first time.
This blog post will explain the ins and outs of concierge medicine, how to search for a “concierge doctor near me,” and why Banner Peak Health stands out.
What Is Concierge Medicine?
Merriam-Webster defines concierge medicine as a healthcare practice of primary care physicians in which patients pay a membership fee for enhanced access and services.
We at Banner Peak Health define concierge medicine as a relationship-focused healthcare model.
Because the concierge model affords us more time with each patient, we get to know each patient’s personality more deeply than physicians in a traditional practice can. We also leverage that time to explore each patient’s symptoms intellectually, coordinate with other doctors involved in their care, and educate the patient about medical terminology.
Time is the ingredient that takes you from stellar internal medicine to stellar concierge medicine.
The Differences Between Concierge Medicine and Conventional Medicine
I often use the saying “He who pays the piper picks the tune” to explain concierge medicine to anyone unfamiliar.
The financial structure of medicine affects the care patients receive. In a traditional fee-for-service model, the insurance company funds the care and is the de facto boss. However, in a concierge model, the patient funds the care — so they’re the boss.
At Banner Peak Health, we’re beholden to our members’ needs rather than those of insurance companies. That distinction explains our priorities, who we seek to impress, and what care we provide.
You’re entitled to a doctor who’s enthusiastic about medical care and about providing care for you. Concierge medicine circumvents physician burnout by design, so your physician is always engaged.
At Banner Peak Health, our mantra is “happy staff = happy patients = better health outcomes for all (patients and doctors).” We’re proud to offer extensive benefits to our members, including:
- Access to your private physician’s personal phone
- Little to no wait times
- Same-day or next-day appointments
- Telemedicine visits and consults
- Extended appointments
- Individual follow-ups by your health team
- Prompt care for urgent needs
- Coordination with specialists and hospitals
- Strong focus on preventative medicine and screenings
And much more.
What Should I Look For in a Concierge Doctor Near Me?
When you search “concierge doctor near me,” a list of practices appears. Which one do you contact? How do you identify the best fit for you? We can help.
First, you want a doctor who will be excited to be your doctor — someone enthusiastic about being a physician, providing care, explaining terminology, researching, and listening to you.
You want someone who accepts you as you are but will also hold you accountable as you pursue your health goals. Your health journey has no escalators. You have to reach the highest peaks yourself.
At Banner Peak Health, we interview prospective patients. We want patients who want to be active participants in their healthcare. We don’t have an “autopilot” option. We want to guide people who want to work to reach their health goals.
You also want a practice with a small physician-patient ratio. This way, your physician can spend ample time developing a relationship with you.
At Banner Peak Health, we see about 250 or fewer patients per physician. Typical concierge practices average between 400 and 600 patients per doctor, and traditional practices average thousands.
Is It Important to Find a Concierge Doctor Near Me?
It’s important to consider your proximity to your concierge doctor, but it’s not a reason to dismiss an otherwise good-fit physician. Remote technology has allowed physicians and patients to meet regularly to discuss non-urgent concerns.
However, there may be times when you need an in-person visit or an urgent appointment. In those cases, having a concierge doctor near you is advantageous.
We’re located in Walnut Creek, and we serve patients in the following communities:
- Walnut Creek
- Berkeley
- Oakland
- Piedmont
- Orinda
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Pleasant Hill
- Danville
- San Ramon
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- Clayton
- San Francisco
And beyond.
Partnering With Banner Peak Health
We’re honored that our patients trust us, and we take that trust seriously. We also practice the Golden Rule — we provide the care we would expect ourselves or would want for our family members. When you become a member at Banner Peak Health, that’s what you can expect.
If you’re searching for a “concierge doctor near me” and think we’d be a good fit, contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions.
