Leon Barretto

Concierge medicine is an emerging business model in healthcare that focuses on building a relationship between a patient and a healthcare provider. Concierge medicine in India depends upon the physicians and patient’s choice to take up the concierge model, as it has both pros and cons. People who opt for concierge medical services are eligible to get comprehensive health care packages from the medical center or medical practitioner from where they have availed the concierge medicine service pack.

While implementing the concierge business model, physicians get to spend more time with their patients and as a result they are able to communicate effectively with them. In addition to this, patients are able to see the doctor anytime they want. In such cases, patients are more likely to open up about their problems and discuss about their expectations giving enough time to a physician for managing a particular medical casualty. Although the idea of taking up a concierge plan might sound a bit expensive to some, the higher priced plans generally include services like x-rays, ultrasounds and lab tests as well.

Concierge health services can be a boon especially in case of patients who need periodic medical follow-up due to ailing health, chronic illnesses, and diseases. Concierge medical service is also required by elderly patients who need regular check-ups to keep certain parameters under control like blood pressure or sugar levels etc. The above implies that medical practitioners are more likely to extend concierge healthcare services on a selective basis after considering the medical history of patients. Patients with whom doctors have health concierge contracts have special access to doctor’s time and commitment. The doctor prioritizes calls from patients who have taken up medical concierge services. The patient does not have to wait or take an appointment.

While Concierge Medicine in India, practices serve as a source of satisfaction for both patients and doctors, it impacts low-income patients severely, as they cannot afford the fee charged by a doctor for personalized medical assistance and other benefits. In addition to this, this impacts a doctor as well, as the number of patients a doctor sees decrease exponentially.