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Recession fails to dampen demand for personalized medicine — MedCity morning read, May 11, 2009

Patient demand at concierge medical practices still is growing, despite the recession. Patients would rather give up gym memberships and fine dining than highly personalized -- and expensive -- medical care.

By Mary Vanac on May 11, 2009 7:52 am

Patient demand at so-called concierge medical practices — those that charge hefty membership fees for customized and around-the-clock care — continues to build during the recession, though some patients have dropped off the rolls, according to the New York Times.

Patients who value their health even during hard financial times — and have the money to pay for it — still are attracted to concierge practices, which began in Seattle, Wash., in 1996. From Seattle to South Florida, the current hot-spot for the practices, doctors are seeing few patient leave for financial reasons, though the practices also are not filling as quickly as expected, the Times said.

Concierge practices typically charge at least $1,500 and can charge upwards of $25,000 a year for a family that want elite services, the Times said. The fees cover a thorough exam and enable a doctor to provide premier care to fewer patients. Doctors give patients their cell phone numbers, and some even make house calls.

Patients still need insurance to pay for hospitalizations and specialists.

According to 20 doctors interviewed for its story, those patients that are leaving cite lost jobs or devalued investment portfolios as the main reasons, the Times said. Many of the departing patients say they cut gym memberships and expensive restaurants before cutting their top-notch medical care.

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