Concierge Medicine

My pulmonologist’s medical practice joined a national provider of concierge medicine two years ago, and I decided to spend the money to become a card-carrying “member.”  Although the $500 price tag to join was steep, I was assured that I would receive priority treatment when I was ill (which happens sometimes 2-3 times a year and can be serious).  And I could always reach my doctor or his primary physician assistants via secure email for rapid and real time responses to my health concerns.  As a member, I also would have access to a number of other “wellness” specialists, including a nutritionist and an exercise coach (not a trainer, a coach) – plus, I would receive a “health and wellness” newsletter each month filled with helpful “tips” on how to keep my aging body from falling apart.

The first year, I had my usual 2 or 3 respiratory infections and when I called for a consult with my doctor, I was seen the same day – just what the doctor ordered and the membership promised.  So I was ok with the fact that I didn’t really consult with the nutritionist, etc., etc.

This year, I’ve managed to avoid respiratory infections but I have had a devil of a time with asthma during this rugged spring allergy season.   The pollen count is always high in D.C. but this year it’s been stratospheric – so I decided I should probably see an allergist and then visit with my pulmonologist to ensure I was doing everything possible to manage the asthma more effectively.

I’ve been trying for two weeks to get a referral for an allergist.  Two weeks.  I started with communication via my “secure concierge email” – no response.  I emailed several times.  Nada.

I then tried to call 3 days in a row – several times -- using the “concierge hotline.”  No one answered.  No one.

Then I tried calling the general office number for those who aren’t concierge patients and finally got a live person who would actually talk to me.  Of course, when she looked up my medical record for the requested referral, the information was so incomplete she had to call me right back. Which she did – 2 hours later.

And now I’ve called the allergist’s office which was identified as a dermatology practice by whoever recorded the out of office phone message.  Undaunted by this less than reassuring turn in my search for an allergist, I’ve left a message anyway for the doctor to whom I was referred.  Somehow, I suspect she really is a dermatologist.

Sigh.  All of this makes me reflect on folks out there who think President Obama is destroying our health care system.  If you truly believe that, I’ve got an elitist concierge medicine membership to give you – for free.  Welcome to the true future of medicine.