Using a concierge doctor has been proven to offer better access to medical care by having fewer patients, which is one of the main reasons why many individuals make this change. These healthcare professionals can enhance your overall experience in the medical industry, particularly for those who require personalized care or specialist services.
However, there can be difficulty when searching for a concierge doctor. There are many factors to consider before finalizing your choice, and three of the most important considerations have been outlined in the post below.
Check the Credentials and Experience
Searching for a new concierge doctor can be an overwhelming process, especially when it comes to making sure they have the qualifications and experience. One of the first aspects to consider is their medical education and training. You should ensure the doctor graduated from an accredited medical school and completed an official residency program in their specialty.
Next, you should check your preferred concierge doctor is board certified. You can do this by using the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) “Is My Doctor Certified?” lookup tool to verify this. It is also worth checking with your state’s medical board that the doctor is licensed to practice there.
It is also worth researching the amount of experience the doctor has. This type of information might be stated on the practice’s website, as doctors usually have a “About Me” webpage. You should look at their years in practice, their clinical focus areas, and any leadership roles or academic affiliation that they might have.
Look at the Services Offered
Concierge doctors go above and beyond what traditional doctors do. These medical experts usually offer personalized and premium healthcare with additional features, such as 24/7 access, same-day appointments, and proactive preventative care. The extra services that concierge doctors offer should be researched when selecting your preferred practice to ensure they meet your requirements.
There are specialized services available from concierge doctor practices, and these can boost your overall experience, especially if you have specific health needs. These doctors will often facilitate quick referrals to specialists, with the care being coordinated between the primary and specialty physicians. Additionally, video consultations and remote advice can be provided if necessary, particularly if the practice does not offer an out-of-hours service.
The services offered by the doctor might differ depending on if it is a private or group practice. Group practices usually involve multiple physicians, which could mean there is a wider range of specialists available. You should learn more about the difference between private and group practices before making a final decision.
Research Reviews and Testimonials
When you have a better understanding of what the concierge doctor offers, you should look into other people’s experiences with them. While you can speak to people you know if they use the doctor you are considering, you can also research reviews and testimonials online. These posts are often found on the doctor surgery’s website, review sites, and social media platforms.
People will discuss their own experiences with the doctor. Those posted on the doctor’s website might have been filtered to only show the positive insights; you should expand your search from there. It is advised to look at feedback relating to the doctor’s bedside manner, the quality of care that they provide, and how satisfied patients were overall.
If you do find negative reviews, check if the doctor has responded to these posts in a professional manner. Some of these issues could have been resolved, especially if the review was posted months or years ago. If more than one review states the same issue, this could be a sign to look for another medical professional.
To conclude, choosing a concierge doctor is a big task. There is a lot that you should consider, as shown by this post. You must check the doctor’s credentials and experience, the services offered, and what the reviews and testimonials say before making a decision.
