Concierge Medical Practices: These Doctor’s Offices Operate Like Member-Only Clubs

Imagine waking up sick and heading to a doctor’s office where there’s no crowded waiting room, no paperwork, and no long delays.

You’re immediately escorted into a private exam room, evaluated by a physician and nurse, sent for an on-site X-ray, and handed a prescription within minutes.

For a growing number of affluent patients, that experience is becoming reality through concierge medical practices. These membership-based healthcare services provide highly personalized care, often with 24/7 physician access, in exchange for substantial annual fees. Most operate outside traditional insurance systems, yet demand continues to climb. According to a December report in Health Affairs, the number of concierge medical practices in the United States increased by more than 83% between 2018 and 2023.

 “The appeal is rooted in exclusivity and comprehensive care,” said Dr. Jordan Shlain, founder and chairman of Private Medical.

Founded in Silicon Valley in 2002, the company now operates six locations nationwide and serves many prominent executives and entrepreneurs.

“We take care of top CEOs in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street, and they refer their friends,” said Shlain. “We function almost like a family office for healthcare.”

Private Medical offers around-the-clock physician access and connections to thousands of specialists and medical centers worldwide.

“The model focuses on preventive care, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment strategies aimed at helping patients live longer and healthier lives,” said Shlain.

Adult memberships begin at $45,000 annually, while pediatric plans start at $28,000. For many concierge physicians, medical expertise is only part of the service. Patient experience and hospitality have become equally important.

Dr. Edward Goldberg, a Manhattan-based primary care physician and gastroenterologist, launched his concierge practice in 2009 with a strong emphasis on comfort and familiarity. His office is designed more like an upscale living room than a traditional clinic.

“You have to create a welcoming environment,” Goldberg said. “My staff has been with me for years, and everyone knows patients by name. I think of myself as a country doctor in the city.”

Goldberg’s highest-tier membership costs $25,000 per year and includes unlimited office visits, direct phone and text access, vaccines, routine testing, EKGs, and blood work. Patients requesting house calls pay additional fees.

“The concierge model allows physicians to spend more time with patients and provide a level of care often difficult to achieve in conventional medical systems,” said Goldberg. “If a patient has a complex issue, I can spend an hour researching their case or consulting with specialists. Many doctors simply don’t have the time or flexibility to do that anymore.”

The concierge approach has also expanded into urgent and emergency-style care. Sollis Health, a luxury healthcare network with clinics across several states, focuses on high-end urgent care and emergency medicine alternatives.

“We’re different from traditional concierge medicine,” said Dr. Scott Braunstein, Sollis Health’s chief medical officer. “We provide urgent care that approaches emergency-level treatment.”

Sollis Health has grown rapidly, expanding from a single location to 14 clinics. Braunstein said patients are drawn to shorter wait times, increased privacy, and calmer environments compared with hospital emergency rooms.

“In a traditional ER, you may be surrounded by dozens of people, including contagious patients,” Braunstein explained. “Our clinics are intentionally designed to feel soothing and comfortable, which can positively affect stress levels and overall patient experience.”

Memberships at Sollis Health start at $4,000 annually. A premium $12,000 membership includes benefits such as house calls, vitamin infusions, and comprehensive imaging services, including MRIs and CT scans.

Braunstein noted that many members maintain residences in multiple cities and value nationwide access to care. While the service caters to wealthy clientele, he said the patient base also includes professionals and small-business owners willing to invest more in healthcare convenience and accessibility.

For prospective members, Shlain recommends evaluating several factors before joining a concierge practice: whether physicians work full-time within the practice, how many patients each doctor manages, what medical equipment is available on-site, and what additional services are offered. Ultimately, supporters of concierge medicine argue the model’s greatest strength is prevention.

“We’ve never had a patient experience a heart attack or receive a late-stage cancer diagnosis in 20 years,” Shlain said. “By preventing serious medical issues, we can actually reduce overall healthcare costs. A great concierge doctor becomes an all-purpose healthcare resource for patients and families.”

Source: Mansion Global