Concierge medicine in West Palm Beach

What is concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine is a membership model of primary care. Patients pay an annual membership fee directly to the practice, and in return the practice limits the number of patients each physician cares for. With fewer patients, your physician has more time for each visit, is easier to reach, and can focus on prevention and long-term wellness rather than only the problem of the day.

The difference starts with numbers. Research published in the Annals of Family Medicine estimated that the average U.S. primary care panel is about 2,300 patients, and that a physician caring for 2,500 patients would need roughly 21.7 hours a day to provide all recommended preventive and chronic care on their own. Concierge practices commonly care for a few hundred patients per physician, which leaves room for longer, unhurried visits.

How concierge care can support your health and wellness

Why concierge care at Carden Dodson Medical Associates

Our physicians bring specialist-level training to concierge medicine: each is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious disease. That means the physician who manages your everyday health can also evaluate a complicated infection, plan vaccines for an international trip and review an X-ray in our office, without sending you elsewhere.

Carden Dodson Medical Associates has cared for West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Island since 1985, from our office on North Flagler Drive. Our concierge program builds on that experience with more time and attention for each member.

Who concierge medicine is for

• People who want more time with their physician and fewer rushed visits
• Busy professionals who value easier scheduling and communication
• Seasonal residents of Palm Beach who want a consistent physician while in Florida
• Frequent international travelers
• Adults managing several health conditions or medications
• Anyone who wants a proactive, personalized plan for long-term wellness

Questions to ask about any concierge program

Concierge programs differ from practice to practice. When you call, we are happy to answer:

• What is the annual membership fee, and how is it paid?
• What services and amenities are included in membership?
• How do I reach my physician, and how quickly will I hear back?
• How does membership work with my health insurance or Medicare?
• How do I enroll, and how do I cancel if my needs change?

Concierge medicine, insurance and Medicare

A concierge membership is not health insurance. Members should keep health insurance for hospital care, specialists, imaging, prescriptions and emergencies.

According to Medicare.gov, Medicare does not cover concierge membership fees, and doctors who accept Medicare assignment cannot charge members extra for services Medicare covers. We will explain exactly how our program works with your coverage before you decide.

Our commitment

Concierge membership adds time, access and personal attention. It does not change the standard of medical care: every patient in our practice receives care grounded in the same scientific evidence, professional guidelines and judgment. We present the terms of membership clearly, joining is always your choice, and if you are a current patient we will talk through your options with you.

Frequently asked questions

What is concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine is a membership model of primary care. Patients pay an annual fee, and in return the practice cares for a smaller number of patients, which allows more time and easier access to your physician. The specific services included vary by practice.

Does concierge medicine replace health insurance?

No. A concierge membership is not insurance. You should keep health insurance for hospital care, specialists, imaging, prescriptions and emergencies.

Does Medicare pay for a concierge membership?

No. According to Medicare.gov, Medicare does not cover concierge membership fees, and doctors who accept assignment cannot charge extra for Medicare-covered services. Ask us how our program works with Medicare.

How much does your concierge program cost, and what is included?

Please call our office at (561) 655-8448. We will walk you through the membership fee, what is included, how to enroll and how the program works with your insurance.

Who is concierge medicine a good fit for?

People who want more time with their physician, easier access, coordinated care and a personalized plan for prevention, including busy professionals, seasonal residents, frequent travelers and people managing several health conditions.