A New Era in Healthcare?

In recent years, a growing number of patients and physicians have turned to concierge medicine - a patient care framework that promises more personalized and accessible health care. As the traditional healthcare system faces mounting pressure from staffing shortages, rushed appointments, and complex insurance processes, concierge medicine offers a different approach that prioritizes relationship-based care.

Concierge medicine is a healthcare model in which patients pay an annual or monthly fee directly to their physician. In return, they receive enhanced access to their doctor, including same-day or next-day appointments, unrushed visits, direct communication with the physician, preventive care, wellness planning, and fewer patients per doctor. While the specifics vary, many concierge practices do not accept insurance, allowing them to operate with greater flexibility and reduced administrative burden.

One example of a concierge medical facility here in Memphis is ZupMed, opened in early 2020 by Dr. Lloyd Finks (internal medicine doctor) and his wife Dr. Shannon Finks (a pharmacist and a professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center). Membership levels vary but average about $75 a month and include unlimited on-demand visits, priority scheduling, and discounted specialty visits. Their services include primary care, urgent care, specialized medical services, X-rays, rapid turnaround lab results, Botox, and even old-fashioned house calls. A friendly female German shepherd named Koda is available in the office to provide comfort. "There's science behind that: it lowers blood pressure and anxiety. Bringing hospitality to health care is so important to us because we feel like we can treat people so much better," the Finks said. ZupMed has grown so much that they now have a membership waitlist.

One of the most significant factors in the growing popularity of concierge medicine is widespread patient dissatisfaction with the traditional healthcare experience. A 2022 survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that over 60 percent of adults reported difficulty getting timely medical appointments, with some patients waiting weeks or even months to see a primary care provider. At the same time, doctors themselves are seeking relief from burnout. According to the American Medical Association, nearly 53 percent of physicians reported symptoms of burnout in 2023, citing time pressures and administrative burdens as key contributors.

There are some clear benefits to concierge medicine. Patients often report higher satisfaction due to improved access, longer appointment times (averaging 30-60 minutes), and a greater sense of being heard and understood. Physicians are able to take a proactive approach to health, focusing on prevention, lifestyle counseling, chronic disease management, and long-term health planning. With fewer executive hurdles, doctors can focus more on practicing medicine and less on navigating insurance codes and administrative paperwork. For many patients, the cost of concierge medicine is a worthwhile investment in their health and well-being.

However, concierge medicine is not without its downsides. The price point can make it inaccessible for many individuals, especially those without disposable income to spare. Because each physician in the concierge approach sees fewer patients, it raises concerns about reduced access to care for the broader population: if more physicians switch to concierge models, it may reduce the availability of traditional care. In addition to the monthly fee, most concierge practices also still require patients to carry insurance to cover hospital visits, specialist care, and emergencies, making the model a supplement rather than a replacement for traditional coverage.

Concierge medicine is reshaping how healthcare is delivered in the United States by emphasizing personal connection over volume and prevention over crisis management. Whether concierge care is right for you depends on your health needs, financial resources, and expectations for service. As the model evolves, it will either inspire broader changes in healthcare delivery or deepen existing divides in access and affordability.