The shift towards concierge medicine is an interesting development within the healthcare industry, as it represents a potential solution for addressing the growing demand for primary care services while also allowing doctors like Dr. Rebecca Starr to maintain their practices in a sustainable manner. This model offers patients longer appointments and more personalized attention from their physicians, which can be particularly beneficial for geriatric care where time is often limited due to other health issues or mobility constraints.
The key point here is that the concierge medicine business model allows doctors like Dr. Starr to charge a membership fee in addition to regular insurance premiums, copays and deductibles. This additional revenue stream enables them to limit their patient load, ensuring they can provide quality care without being overwhelmed by high volumes of patients.
However, this approach does raise concerns about accessibility for those who cannot afford the extra fees associated with concierge medicine. It's crucial that policymakers and healthcare providers consider ways to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable primary care services regardless of their financial situation. One potential solution could be implementing subsidies or tax credits for low-income families seeking medical attention, thus making these specialized practices more inclusive.
In conclusion, while concierge medicine presents a viable option for doctors looking to maintain sustainable practices and provide better quality care, it's essential that we continue exploring ways to ensure equal access to healthcare services for all individuals regardless of their financial situation.
[Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/03/28/nx-s1-5342632/concierge-membership-primary-care-doctor-shortage-rural-health-access) #long #wait [Visit GhostAI](https://ghostai.pro/)
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