By Sylvia Powers, Senior Correspondent Texas Metro News Garland Journal
“I had been in family practice for 25 years, managing between 6,000 to 8,000 patients,” said Dr. Waggoner. “That’s too many people. After doing that for so long, I wanted to spend more time with my patients and provide a different kind of care.” As the demands of traditional practice took a toll, Dr. Waggoner transitioned to Concierge Medicine, a model that allowed her to slow down, foster deeper relationships with her patients, and offer a truly customized healthcare experience.
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge Medicine is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay an annual or monthly fee in exchange for enhanced medical care and direct access to their physician. Unlike traditional healthcare settings—where doctors often juggle thousands of patients— concierge medicine limits patient loads, allowing for extended appointments, same-day visits, and a more tailored approach to treatment.
According to Dr. Waggoner, some concierge physicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth area cap their practice at just 50 patients, ensuring exceptional care and availability. Her practice, however, follows a hybrid concierge model, integrating insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs for certain standard services. “We have a monthly fee, but we still use patients’ insurance when possible,” Dr. Waggoner explained.
“This way, they don’t have to pay extra for covered services like Pap smears or preventive appointments, making it more affordable.” A report from Partner MD states that a typical concierge practice has a patient panel of 400-600 and sees about 6-10 patients per day.
While Concierge Medicine offers many benefits, it comes with a hefty price tag. Partner MD reports that membership fees generally range from $2,000 to $5,000 annually, with rates in larger markets reaching as high as $10,000 per year. These fees grant exclusive benefits such as:
• Same-day appointments
• Extended one-hour visits
• 24/7 direct access to a physician
Balancing Personal Care in an Insurance-Based System
While concierge medicine offers personalized attention, some traditional medical practices are striving to provide similar benefits within an insurance-based model. Dr. Chrisette Dharma, medical director of Southwest Family Medicine Associates (SFMA), believes her practice offers an affordable balance between concierge and traditional medicine.
The Future of Concierge Medicine
As the demand for personalized healthcare grows, Concierge medicine is expected to reshape the way medical care is delivered. “I think patients want medicine that is personal. Otherwise, they’d just go to an urgent care facility,” said Dr. Waggoner. “Concierge Medicine is going to grow. Over time, there will definitely be two classes of healthcare—one for those who can afford it and another for those in the traditional system.”
“I understand why physicians choose Concierge Medicine, but it’s an unfortunate necessity for those who can’t afford it,” she said. “The healthcare system is broken, and we need solutions that work for everyone—not just those who can pay the price.”