Myths and Facts Surrounding Concierge Medicine

How about comprehensive internal medicine services that include chronic disease management and acute illness care? Concierge medicine may be your best option.

Our team at Calabasas Medicine Group offers comprehensive internal medicine concierge services for adults in and around Calabasas, California. Here are a few common myths surrounding the concierge health care model that we’d like to dispel with facts.

Myth 1: Concierge medicine is only for the wealthy

Fact: While some concierge practices charge significant fees, many are affordable for the average person. We offer budget-friendly, top-level services at Calabasas Medicine Group designed to be accessible to a broad range of income levels.

Myth 2: Concierge doctors see fewer patients, so they’re not as experienced

Fact: The number of patients a doctor sees doesn't necessarily equate to their expertise. Sagi Jacob Cohen, MD, and Nathan Alyesh, MD, are board-certified internal medicine physicians with extensive experience in chronic disease management, preventive health care, and treating acute illnesses.

Our doctors do see fewer patients daily compared to traditional medical models. This means they can spend more time with each patient, allowing them to offer a comprehensive and personalized approach to your care.

For instance, rather than scheduling a patient every 7-10 minutes, we typically allow 60 minutes for physical exams and 45 minutes for follow-up care.

Myth 3: All you’re getting is faster access to a doctor

Fact: While quicker access is one benefit, concierge medicine usually offers more comprehensive care than traditional medicine.

Patients enjoy longer appointments, a focus on personalized preventive care, more in-depth annual physicals, and additional services like nutrition counseling and stress management.

Myth 4: Concierge medicine doesn’t cover specialists or surgeries

Fact: Concierge fees typically cover primary care services. At Calabasas Medicine Group, our primary care services include:

• Medication reviews and prescription refills
• Direct phone, email, and text contact with our providers
• Comprehensive chart reviews
• In-office ultrasound studies: echocardiogram, carotid ultrasound, and aortic ultrasound
• In-office lab draws
• Advanced lab testing, including BioFire respiratory virus panel (PCR analysis)

When necessary, we also coordinate specialty care and assist during hospital stays, ensuring your health care journey is seamless and well-managed.

Myth 5: If you have health insurance, there’s no need for concierge medicine

Fact: While health insurance is vital for covering unpredictable and high-cost health events, concierge medicine focuses on the day-to-day and preventive health care needs.

Many of our patients find value in using concierge services for primary care and retaining insurance for specialized and emergency care.

Myth 6: Concierge medicine is the same as telemedicine

Fact: We do offer the convenience of telemedicine as part of our innovative services here at Calabasas Medicine. However, it’s only one factor in our commitment to comprehensive care, which includes direct physician access via phone, email, and text and same-day appointments.

Myth 7: Concierge medicine is just a fad

Fact: Though the popularity of concierge medicine has risen recently, the model has been around for decades. The increased emphasis on personalized care as traditional health care models face challenges suggests continued growth in concierge medicine.

To learn more, schedule a visit at Calabasas Medicine Group today. Call the office or request an appointment online.