The rise of concierge medicine: is it worth the premium?

Article | December 30, 2025

Authored by Your Firm LLC

In an era where everything from dining to travel is being personalized, it’s no surprise that healthcare is following suit. For many high-income professionals and families, concierge medicine, also known as membership-based or boutique care, is becoming an increasingly attractive option. It promises shorter wait times, longer visits, more access, and a doctor who actually knows your name.

But like most premium services, concierge care comes at a cost. Annual membership fees typically range from $1,500 to over $10,000 per person, depending on the practice and scope of services. That doesn’t always include tests, treatments, or insurance billing. So the natural question becomes: is it actually worth it?

The answer depends on what you value in your healthcare experience and how traditional models are or aren’t meeting those needs.

What concierge medicine actually offers

Concierge medicine isn’t just about skipping the waiting room. At its core, it’s about rethinking the doctor-patient relationship. Instead of seeing 2,000 to 3,000 patients per year, concierge physicians typically cap their practice at a few hundred. That allows for same-day or next-day appointments, longer visits, 24/7 access via phone or text, and often preventive care planning that goes far beyond the annual physical.

Many practices also offer customized health screenings, lifestyle coaching, genetic testing, and in some cases, coordination with specialists or hospital care. Some models operate independently of insurance, while others bill your provider for covered services and apply the membership fee to access and availability.

For individuals with complex health concerns, demanding schedules, or a desire for more proactive healthcare, this level of attention can be both practical and reassuring.

Who tends to benefit most

While concierge care is open to anyone willing to pay the fee, it tends to be most valuable for people who either:

• Value time as much as (or more than) cost, and don’t want to wait weeks for appointments or feel rushed during visits.
• Travel frequently or split time between homes, and want flexible, coordinated care from a consistent source.
• Have chronic or complex medical needs and require more in-depth management than a typical primary care setting allows.
• Prefer a relationship-driven approach to healthcare, where the doctor knows your history, goals, and preferences.

Some concierge patients view the cost as a luxury, while others see it as a strategic investment, especially those for whom health and performance are closely linked.

A growing market, not just a niche trend

Concierge medicine has grown steadily over the past decade, with industry estimates suggesting there are now over 12,000 concierge-style practices in the U.S. While many started in high-income metro areas, new practices are emerging in suburban and secondary markets as well.

Several networks offer plug-and-play models for doctors transitioning out of traditional insurance-based systems. This has led to increased availability and greater variability in service levels, which means more options but also more due diligence on the part of the patient.

Cost considerations and what to look for

Annual fees vary widely. A lower-tier membership may cost $1,500 to $2,000 and offer increased access to your doctor, while higher-end models charge $5,000 to $10,000 or more and include extended services such as executive physicals, wellness programming, or personalized health analytics.

Some concierge doctors also partner with specialists, hospitals, or labs to provide a more integrated experience; an appealing benefit for those who want everything handled in one place.

Before signing on, it’s worth asking:

• How accessible is the physician (nights, weekends, travel)?
• What’s included in the membership, and what isn’t?
• Will the physician coordinate with your existing specialists or insurance network?
• Does the practice offer virtual visits, in-home care, or travel health support?

In many cases, patients find that just having a physician who listens, follows up, and treats them like a partner makes a measurable difference in their overall health experience.

The value comes down to fit

Concierge medicine isn’t essential for everyone, and it’s not designed to be. For some, it’s a worthwhile investment in time, access, and continuity of care. For others, a traditional primary care model may be more than sufficient.

If you’ve found yourself frustrated by rushed visits, long wait times, or a lack of follow-through, it may be worth exploring whether a membership-based model better aligns with your expectations. But like any premium service, the value is highly personal. It depends on your health goals, your schedule, and how much you prioritize individualized care in your overall lifestyle.

Understanding what concierge medicine offers (along with what it doesn’t) can help you make a more informed decision if and when the opportunity arises.