I’m a fair-weather basketball fan. I only follow the Golden State Warriors if they make the playoffs.
Their coach, Steve Kerr, coined the term “strength in numbers” to embody the team’s philosophy — and with four NBA championships in the last 10 years, he was onto something there.
The same concept applies to medical practices. I practiced solo concierge internal medicine for 16 years (2007–2023) and have been part of a multi-physician group for the last two years. Based on my experience, the private practice vs. group practice models are very different in many areas.
Common Concerns About Private Practice vs. Group Practice
Many patients worry that moving from private practice to group practice means less personal care. This fear often stems from past experiences with large medical groups in the traditional care model, where insurance was king and overworked physicians couldn’t give each patient the attention they deserved.
But concierge group practices operate differently — they maintain close doctor-patient relationships while adding the advantages of a coordinated team.
When comparing types of medicine practices, physicians in group settings spend less time managing business operations and more time building meaningful connections with patients than they can working solo.
The Evolution of Care Models
Concierge medicine began with solo physicians breaking away from large, insurance-controlled medical groups. This first wave worked well — individual doctors unbeholden to insurance could give patients the attention and options they needed to achieve optimal health.
But medicine grows more complex each year. As concierge medicine 1.0 gives way to concierge medicine 2.0, modern concierge care needs more extensive resources and specialized skills.
Most concierge practices still follow the private practice model, yet the demands of advanced medicine point toward group benefits:
Shared Medical Knowledge
When multiple doctors work together, they share insights about new treatments and challenging cases. Senior physicians mentor younger ones, and each doctor brings unique training and skills to the practice. Combined expertise leads to better medical care.
Continuous Coverage
In a group practice, you’ll always have access to a doctor who knows your medical history. When your primary physician takes time off, another team member who’s familiar with you can step in seamlessly.
Better Resources Through Scale
Private practice vs. group practice differences show up clearly in available resources.
A group can support dedicated staff members like phlebotomists for blood draws and care coordinators who manage referrals and insurance issues. We maintain specialized staff training programs and can invest in new medical technologies more efficiently.
Team Spirit and Professional Growth
Group practices create an uplifting environment that maintains professional enthusiasm. Working together energizes staff and physicians alike. This positive atmosphere flows directly to patient care quality.
Our philosophy is simple: happy staff and physicians lead to happy patients, which creates better health outcomes for everyone.
Long-Term Stability
Group practices offer stability beyond any single doctor’s career. When physicians retire, patients already know other doctors in the practice. This smooth transition preserves care quality and medical history knowledge.
Intelligent Labor Division
Running a private practice means wearing many hats — owner, manager, business administrator, and doctor. These responsibilities limit time for patient care. Group practices free physicians from these constraints through smart division of labor.
Private Practice vs. Group Practice: A Better Model for Everyone
My experience running a private practice vs. a group practice has proven to me that groups create a supportive, energizing environment. Doctors maintain their close patient relationships while enjoying the benefits of teamwork and shared resources.
The next time you consider different types of concierge practices, remember that group practice vs. private practice isn’t about size — it’s about service quality. A well-structured group concierge practice combines personal attention with coordinated care and extensive resources.
Looking at my practice now, I see the same “strength in numbers” philosophy that brought the Warriors their championships. When medical professionals work as a team, sharing knowledge and supporting each other, patients receive better care.
