Concierge Medicine

What is concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine is a membership based healthcare service that can be called many different things. Some call it retainer based medicine, direct primary care, and so on. No matter what it is called, the goal is the same for all concierge style medicine. To provide high quality care to patients when needed, and avoid costly copays and trips to urgent care, or a quick care facility.

Now that we know what it is, how does it work?

Patients pay a monthly fee ($100 individual, $150-$200 family) and have access to a provider as needs arise. Whether services are utilized 5 times a month, or zero times per month, the cost does not change. Most appointments can be carried out via telehealth services (for patients living in West Virginia), however it is important for you or your family members to have an initial in person appointment to review health history, medications, allergies, and so forth. After that initial appointment, if you need anything or become sick, you simply contact us, and get scheduled for an appointment. Although we are not available 24/7, we strive to get back in contact with you as quickly as possible.

What are the benefits of concierge medicine?

There are several benefits to concierge medicine. First, no long wait times and crowded waiting rooms. Secondly, no copays for visits. Third, quick access to a provider and longer appointment times if needed. Avoidance of costly trips to a medical facility for something that could have been handled quickly and without the need of a hospital/facility visit. Lastly, your insurance can be utilized to cover any prescriptions as it normally would. Also, fees for concierge medicine are considered a medical expense, and are typically tax deductible.

Another benefit to concierge medicine is the avoidance if insurance charges and copays for the uninsured or underinsured. I’ve spent a lot of years fighting with insurance companies on behalf of patients, without much success. Deductibles are high, copays are high, and a lot of people avoid using insurance if possible because they pay a large bill for a simple sore throat. We look to help these people by providing needed care at one convenient monthly cost, that does not change based on utilization.

What type of problems can you address with concierge medicine?

We can address all typical problems/illnesses that you would visit a “quick care” style facility for. These include: strep throat, sinusitis, allergies, minor injuries, some medication refills, and so forth. We can also complete sports physicals, annual physical exams, and are capable of doing some blood work (at additional cost), all in our one location.

Sometimes, problems require a higher level of care, and a trip to the hospital. If we feel this is necessary, we will inform you of this. We are not an emergency department and do not treat emergencies. Our goal is to provide services to our members when they need it, and help them avoid long, costly trips to an quick care facility or to their primary care doctor when they are booked up.

As always, if you have any questions feel free to email us at admin@alphahealthwv.com or give us a call at 681.237.3240. If we do not answer, feel free to leave a message and we will get back with you as soon as possible.