If you are thinking about joining a concierge practice, you want a straight answer on what you get and what you give up. Concierge medicine is a great fit for some people and a poor fit for others. This post walks through both sides so you can decide for yourself.
What Concierge Medicine Is
Concierge medicine is primary care paid through a membership. You pay the practice a monthly or annual fee, and in return you get direct access to your doctor, longer visits and a much smaller patient panel.
A typical primary care doctor in a traditional practice cares for 2,000 to 3,000 patients. A concierge doctor usually cares for a few hundred. That one difference explains most of the pros and most of the cons below.
The Pros of Concierge Medicine
1. You can reach your doctor directly
This is the benefit most members mention first. Instead of calling a front desk and waiting for a callback, you call or text your physician. At Olympic Concierge Medicine, members get unlimited calls, texts, emails and visits with Dr. Burkholder.
For example, if your child spikes a fever on a Saturday, you can text your doctor and get an answer the same day. You do not have to decide between an urgent care wait and hoping it passes.
2. Appointments happen quickly
Because the panel is small, same-day and next-day appointments are normal. You are not booking a physical three months out or getting sent to urgent care because the schedule is full.
3. Visits are long enough to cover everything
Traditional visits often run 10 to 15 minutes. Concierge visits commonly run 30 to 60 minutes, and the first visit is usually longer. That gives your doctor time to review your history, talk through lab results and answer every question on your list.
4. The focus is prevention, not just sick visits
With more time per patient, your doctor can look ahead. That means deeper lab panels, preventive screening, nutrition and fitness guidance, and a written plan for your long-term health. Many members join because they want to stop reacting to problems and start getting ahead of them.
5. One doctor knows your whole story
You see the same physician every time. Over time, that doctor learns your history, your family risks, your medications and what normal looks like for you. That continuity makes it easier to catch small changes early.
6. Help navigating the rest of the healthcare system
Concierge doctors spend real time coordinating care. They make specialist referrals, follow up on results and talk directly with other physicians. At Olympic, Executive members can even have Dr. Burkholder accompany them to specialist or hospital visits.
The Cons of Concierge Medicine
1. You pay a membership fee on top of insurance
This is the biggest drawback. In Tampa Bay, concierge memberships commonly run between $300 and $700 per month, and around $500 per month is typical. That fee is paid directly to the practice and is not billed to your insurance.
You still need health insurance for labs, imaging, specialists, hospital care and prescriptions. So you are paying for both.
2. Insurance does not reimburse the fee
Some people expect to submit the membership fee to their insurance plan for reimbursement. In most cases that does not happen. Some members use HSA or FSA funds for the fee, but eligibility depends on your plan, so check with your plan administrator or tax advisor first.
3. Not every service is included
The membership covers your relationship with your doctor and the care that comes from it. It does not cover things like hospital stays, surgery, specialist fees or most imaging. Some practices also charge extra for certain services. At Olympic, for example, house calls are included in the Executive Membership and available to other members at an added rate.
4. Your doctor is not an emergency room
Fast access does not replace emergency care. For chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms or a serious injury, you still call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Your concierge doctor can help coordinate what happens next, but the emergency itself goes to the ER.
5. Small practices have limited capacity
Because panels are capped, popular practices sometimes have waitlists. If your doctor is a solo physician, there will also be times they are traveling or off, so ask how coverage works before you join.
6. It is a commitment
Most practices ask for a minimum term. Olympic asks for at least 3 months so there is time to make a real difference, and after that you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice. There is also a one-time $100 registration fee. Some practices require a full year, so read the agreement before you sign.
Are Concierge Doctors Worth It?
It depends on how you use healthcare and what your time is worth. Concierge medicine tends to be worth it if you:
Manage a chronic condition and want closer follow-up
Have a busy schedule and cannot spend half a day in a waiting room
Want a long-term plan for prevention and healthy aging
Travel often or split your year between two states
Have been frustrated by rushed visits and slow callbacks
It is probably not worth it if you are healthy, rarely see a doctor and are happy with your current care. In that case, a standard primary care practice may be all you need.
A simple way to think about it: add up what you spend each year on urgent care visits, missed work and time on hold. For many busy professionals and families, the membership fee comes close to paying for itself in time alone.
Common Problems With Concierge Medicine, and How to Avoid Them
Most complaints about concierge medicine come from a mismatch between what someone expected and what the practice offers. Before you join any practice, ask:
What exactly is included in the fee, and what costs extra?
How do I reach the doctor after hours and on weekends?
Who covers when the doctor is away?
What is the minimum commitment, and how do I cancel?
How many patients does the doctor care for?
Clear answers to those questions prevent nearly every surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is concierge medicine covered by insurance?
No. The membership fee is paid directly to the practice. You keep your health insurance for labs, imaging, specialists, hospital care and medications.
How much does concierge medicine cost in Tampa?
Most memberships in Tampa Bay fall between $300 and $700 per month, with around $500 per month being typical. Pricing depends on the level of access and the services included.
Do I still need health insurance if I join a concierge practice?
Yes. Concierge medicine covers your primary care relationship. Insurance protects you from large costs like hospital stays, surgery and specialist care.
Can I cancel a concierge membership?
At most practices, yes. At Olympic Concierge Medicine, you commit to at least 3 months, and after that you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.
In Summary
The main benefit of concierge medicine is time: direct access to your doctor, quick appointments and visits long enough to focus on prevention. The main drawback is cost, since you pay a membership fee on top of the insurance you still need.
If access, continuity and a long-term health plan matter to you, it is worth a conversation. You can learn more about our Gold Membership and Executive Membership, or see how we care for patients in Tampa. Have questions about your own situation? Start with a consultation by calling or texting (813) 670-8915.