What is the role of concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine serves the role of enhancing personalized health care for a fee, focusing on providing a higher level of service and access to healthcare professionals. Patients in a concierge model often pay a retainer or membership fee that allows them to receive more individualized attention, extended appointment times, and proactive health management. This approach often includes more direct communication between patients and their healthcare providers, availability for same-day or next-day appointments, and comprehensive wellness plans tailored to each individual.

In contrast, other options do not align with the core function of concierge medicine. For instance, providing basic medical services to all does not capture the exclusive, personalized nature of concierge care. Offering specialized care for free goes against the typical business model of concierge medicine, which is predicated on a fee-for-service structure. Lastly, administering emergency response does not reflect the nature of concierge medicine, as it is not primarily focused on emergency care but rather on enhancing the ongoing relationship and care management between patients and their physicians.