Doctor Frequently Asked Questions

A: Concierge medicine is a practice model where patients pay a membership fee for enhanced access and services from their physician. This model allows doctors to maintain smaller patient panels, spend more time with each patient, and offer additional services not typically covered by insurance.

A: Practices best suited for concierge conversion typically have patients who value relationship-based care, are located in areas with sufficient household income to support membership fees, and have physicians who prioritize patient relationships and preventive care.

A: While both models involve membership fees, concierge practices typically continue to bill insurance for covered services, while DPC practices operate entirely outside the insurance system with lower monthly fees. Concierge fees are usually higher but cover enhanced services beyond what DPC typically offers.

A: The entire conversion cycle can take 4-6 months from initial planning to launch. This includes patient analysis, communication planning, marketing to existing patients, and implementation. Some practices opt for a faster transition, while others prefer a more gradual approach. MedAlly can support either speed, but typically recommends 2 to 3 months from date of signed contract to start of program, depending on expected conversion size.

A: Conversion rates typically range from 8-15% of an existing patient panel, though rates can vary significantly based on practice location, patient demographics, pricing strategy, and physician-patient relationships. Higher conversion rates (15-25%) are possible with optimal implementation but also heavily weighs against overall satification your patients have with you and your staff.

A: Membership fees vary widely by market but typically range from $1,500-$3,000 annually for an individual. Consider your local market, desired patient panel size, services included, and perceived value. Most practices offer discounts for couples or families. Our free concierge medicine calculator provides an optimal fee estimate based on the median income of your practice ZIP code.

A: Most physicians who successfully transition report increased income while working the same or fewer hours. The financial viability depends on successful conversion rates, appropriate fee structure, and efficient practice management.

A: Membership fees are typically processed through credit card payments or ACH transfers. Merchant fees currently are 2.9% + $0.30/transaction for credit card and 0.8% up to $5/transaction for ACH. These fees should be factored into your financial modeling. MedAlly acts as the merchant for all transactions, using Stripe as our PSP (Payment Service Provider).

A: Medicare compliance is critical. You cannot charge membership fees for services already covered by Medicare. Clearly document which enhanced services are included in your membership fee. Many practices have Medicare patients sign a specific acknowledgment form.

A: No, most concierge physicians maintain their Medicare participation and continue billing Medicare for covered services. The membership fee covers only non-covered services like extended visits, phone consultations, or enhanced access.

A: Review all payor contracts for provisions that may restrict charging additional fees. Some concierge physicians maintain insurance participation, while others become out-of-network providers. Consider which approach aligns with your patient population and practice goals.

A: Provide written notice to all patients at least 30 days before transitioning (though 60-90 days is recommended). Clearly explain the changes, options for non-converting patients, and timeline. Document all communication attempts and follow any state-specific requirements.

A: Provide appropriate transition assistance for non-converting patients, including referrals to other providers, medical record transfers, and reasonable time to find new care. Some practices maintain a hybrid model serving both concierge and traditional patients.

A: Essential documents include a comprehensive patient membership agreement, updated notice of privacy practices, and potentially new business entity formation documents. All patient-facing materials should be reviewed by a healthcare attorney familiar with concierge models.

A: While not always necessary, many physicians create a new legal entity for their concierge practice, especially if transitioning from employment or a group practice. Consult with a healthcare attorney and accountant regarding the optimal structure.

A: Yes, some states have specific regulations affecting concierge practices. For example, New York, California, and Washington have more stringent requirements. Always consult with a healthcare attorney familiar with your state's regulations.

A: Analysis typically includes reviewing patient demographics, visit frequency, complexity of care, loyalty factors, and household income data. Services like ours can help predict conversion likelihood based on multiple factors. You can do a basic analysis of your practice using our free concierge medicine calculator.

A: Use multiple communication channels: personal conversations, letters, emails, and office materials. Begin with your most loyal patients and focus on the value proposition. Schedule information sessions and provide clear, written materials explaining the program.

A: For existing patients, focus on the enhanced relationship and benefits they'll receive. For new patients, highlight the comprehensive care model, accessibility, and preventive focus. Different marketing materials and approaches are typically needed for each group.

A: Many practices launch in January or September, aligning with natural planning cycles. Avoid major holiday periods. Consider your practice rhythm and identify a period when you can dedicate focus to the transition.

A: Staff preparation is crucial. Provide thorough training on the new model, addressing how roles will change, what new services will be offered, and how to discuss the program with patients. Consider role-playing exercises for handling patient questions.

A: Focus on creating a welcoming environment that reflects the premium nature of your service. Consider replacing traditional waiting areas with comfortable seating, ensuring privacy in all conversations, and updating décor to feel less institutional.

A: Most full concierge practices cannot maintain more than 350 patients per physician, depending on the service model, complexity of patients, and physician preferences. Hybrid models maintain a higher number with a portion enrolled in the concierge program. Use our free concierge medicine calculator to determine optimal panel size for your goals.

A: Common enhanced services include same/next-day appointments, extended visits, direct physician communication, comprehensive annual exams, coordination of specialist care, and preventive health planning. Tailor offerings to your expertise and patient needs.

A: Clear communication about after-hours availability is essential. Most concierge practices offer direct physician contact for urgent issues, but boundaries should be established. Consider rotating coverage if you have multiple physicians.

A: Consider secure communication platforms, patient portals with enhanced features, electronic scheduling systems, and technology that facilitates telemedicine. The right technology should enhance patient experience while reducing administrative burden.

A: Most concierge practices allocate 30-60 minutes for regular appointments and 60-90 minutes for comprehensive exams. Build in buffer time to prevent running behind and allow time for same-day appointments.

A: Patients primarily value accessibility, unrushed visits, direct communication with their physician, care coordination, and a preventive focus. Meeting these core expectations is more important than luxury amenities.

A: Explain that the membership fee covers services not reimbursed by insurance: extended time, enhanced access, comprehensive coordination, and preventive planning. Insurance still covers traditional medical services, tests, and procedures.

A: Membership agreements should clearly outline services provided, fee structure, billing procedures, renewal terms, communication expectations, and termination policies. Have this document reviewed by a healthcare attorney.

A: High renewal rates come from consistently delivering on your core value proposition, maintaining regular communication with members, adding unexpected value when possible, and soliciting feedback. Renewal rates of 90%+ are common in well-run practices.

A: Some practices offer tiered memberships with different service levels and price points. While this can increase accessibility, it adds complexity to practice management. If offering tiers, ensure each level provides clear value. MedAlly does not recommend this approach and recommends a base membership fee with various discounts, like payment frequency, group size, seasonal/snowbird or scholarship. We also support custom discounts for specific patients.

A: Focus on creating a welcoming environment that reflects the premium nature of your service. Consider replacing traditional waiting areas with comfortable seating, ensuring privacy in all conversations, and updating décor to feel less institutional.

A: We analyze your existing patient panel using multiple demographic and behavioral factors to identify patients most likely to join your concierge program. This targeted approach significantly improves conversion rates compared to general outreach.

A: MedAlly provides customized marketing materials, communication strategies, and implementation support. We provide a full conversion kit specifically tailored for your practice, including post card invitation, brochure, various billing templates, poster designs for the office and provide digital kiosk (tablet) to signup patients directly in your office. Our team works with you and your staff to prepare all marketing materials around your practice and branding.

A: We manage all aspects of membership billing, including initial setup, automatic membership checkout process, customized membership agreement, recurring charges, credit card or bank account updates, and payment issues. Our platform provides real-time visibility into membership status, renewal dates, and payment history.

A: Unlike traditional concierge conversion companies that charge 30%+, our transparent model starts at 25%. We offer flexible arrangements based on practice size and services needed, with no long-term contracts required. Our contracts typically last 3 to 5 years.

A: MedAlly is a digital-first platform offering more transparent pricing, modern technology integration, and data-driven optimization. We focus on efficiency and measurable results rather than high-touch, high-cost service models that drive up fees.

A: Yes, we support both full concierge conversions and hybrid models where you maintain some traditional patients alongside concierge members. Our analysis can help determine which approach will work best for your specific practice. Explore different scenarios with our free concierge medicine calculator.