A: All concierge models are designed to provide patients more time with and access to their physician. At CC:MD, having fewer patients translates into having more time. Time to listen to patients, to thoroughly review and organize medical records, and to be involved in referrals—not just finding the best referral but time to follow up to ensure patients are getting the best care. It also means having the time to research medical science to be the best medical advisers.
But that's just the beginning. After practicing concierge medicine for over a decade, Dr. Carrie Carter learned that there is a lot more involved in providing excellent medical care than just having more time with patients. It takes a team of individuals working together to help patients navigate today's complicated medical system. It takes access to information and technology because the decisions we make are only as good as the information we have.
The true team approach distinguishes CC:MD, where all the medical professionals—physicians, nurses, and support staff—are invested in and committed to patient care. It may seem like a subtle difference, but when the person answering the phone thinks of you as their patient, your care is better. Whether you're scheduling an appointment, refilling a prescription, calling about a routine medical question, or having a medical emergency, everyone at CC:MD is on your team.
A: The reality is that everyone would benefit from concierge medical care, but we find that there are three main categories of patients that benefit most.
One category includes patients with serious or complex medical issues. Compiling, organizing, and prioritizing your medical history can be overwhelming, even before you begin coordinating your medical care. That's true whether you have one serious medical condition or 15 chronic medical conditions. If you're scared or you don't feel well, having someone you know and trust to help guide you through those situations can make all the difference in your care.
Another category of patients who benefit from concierge medical care is individuals with medical anxiety. There is a difference between true health and peace of mind, and both are incredibly important. Any time a gap exists between those two realities—regardless of which is winning out—there's a problem. Whether it's a patient who thinks they are healthy but is at high risk of cancer or heart disease, or if it's a patient who is healthy but is worried something is wrong with them or is convinced they are going to develop cancer at a young age because of their family history—both situations are problematic. At CC:MD, we help patients close that gap.
Another category of patients who benefit from concierge medical care are those who value quality and service. Medicine has become incredibly complex over the last 20 years. Having direct access to an expert health care adviser and team who knows you well, cares about you as an individual, and has the time to help is invaluable.