Hi all, Several years ago, two physicians in Boca Raton, FL decided they'd had enough with the direction of medicine and insurance involvement. They closed their practice and re-opened under a new model. They were no longer "providers," nor would they be working for insurance companies. They would be working ONLY for their patients. Patients were invited to rejoin their practice FOR A FEE. All others were asked to find another doctor. For $1500 / year, they could be patients in the practice. The doctors would no longer participate with managed care. The $1500 annual fee includes a THOROUGH physical examination (typically not covered by insurance). The results of the annual physical are discussed in a follow-up appointment along with a written report and a mini-CD with all the results. The doctors limit their practice to 600 patients. Patients have 24 / 7 access to the doctor via personal phone numbers - NOT an answering service. Patients are guaranteed appointments within 24 hours of the request - usually they can be seen the same day, however. Since 5 years ago, the MDVIP network has grown and continues to grow. They have doctors all over the country. That's it in a nutshell. All the benefits are too many to list here. For more, visit: www.mdvip.com When the first two guys did this, it made the local news, and I happened to be watching. Interestingly, there was actually some CONTROVERSY about it. Some bleeding hearts lamented that it was "elitist." I actually yelled back at the TV, "Of course it's elitist you morons!" So is the Ritz Carlton. So is Morton's Steakhouse. So are Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms. I knew that when I was ready, this type of practice would be for me - as a patient. Well, at age 43, I decided it was finally time to get a physical - the first one since I left the Navy almost 16 years ago. I also knew that based on my experiences in "normal" medical offices, I just couldn't tolerate the impersonal, cold, and couldn't-care-less attide that was prevalent in these offices. I didn't want to wait for hours only to be seen by a medical auxilliary or perhaps a scant two minutes with the doctor. I couldn't stand to be virtually ignored, as a person, when walking in, only to directed by a pointed finger to "sign in" with an implied "sit down, shut up, and wait your turn." No smiling faces. No greeting. No welcoming gesture whatsoever. Nope. I'm beyond that. Yep. I'm an elitist. Furthermore, it's not how I run MY DENTAL PRACTICE. I called up MDVIP and selected a doctor who was near me. I checked his background online and noted he was previously a Navy Corpsman (medic). We'd have something to chat about, anyway! Before you make an appointment for your physical, they schedule a no-charge "meet and greet." I arrived at Dr. Lysaker's office and was immediately greeted by his front desk by name, "Good afternoon, Dr. Barr!" The medical assistant also introduced herself. A few seconds later, Dr. Lysaker appeared in the doorway of his private office only a few feet away, "Come on in Dr. Barr!" No waiting at all. I sat down with him in his private office and chatted for a while. He told me how much he loved practicing in this model. Rather than seeing thirty patients a day, he was seeing eight. We spent about 15 minutes discussing the merits of this type of practice and being a patient in it. I had found my doctor. Incidentally, this meet and greet is also an opportunity for the doctor to determine if the patient is a match for the practice. I then filled out the membership application and paid the annual fee to www.mdvip.com online. I got a package in the mail from MDVIP consisting of some brochures and other information. I later got a call from Dr. Lysaker's office welcoming me as a patient and to set up an appointment for a physical later that week. They faxed the paperwork to me, so I could fill it out at my leisure before my appointment. I walked in for my physical at my appointed time and again was greeted by name. I handed my paperwork to the front desk. I was the only patient there. NO WAITING. Dr. Lysaker called me into his office, "Come on back Dr. Barr!" I sat down and spent some time discussing my family's medical history and my own. I was given an opportunity to also bring up any specific concerns. All this with THE DOCTOR. At the conclusion of our discussion, I was immediately escorted to an examination room. Now... when I tell you the doctor performed a comprehensive examination, I mean a VERY COMPREHENSIVE examination. I've never had a physical like this. Out of the hour it took, about 50 minutes was with the DOCTOR. Only about 10 minutes was spent with his assistant as she did the EKG, spirometry (lung capacity), and blood work. And, she was great, too. The whole time I was there, I didn't see another patient in the office. It was just me. Next week, I have my follow-up appointment for a review of findings. In my opinion, $1500 was a bargain. My time is valuable. More importantly, I believe a personal relationship with my doctor is worth a LOT. I cannot appreciate the cattle-call approach that has become ubiquitous in the medical profession. I can afford to not be treated with a lowest-common-denominator attitude found in typical practices. So, if that makes me an elitist, so be it. I HIGHLY recommend to anyone who can to try out "concierge healthcare." It's like flying first class. No... It's better! Mike PS... I asked MDVIP if they had pediatricians in their network. They don't. At least not yet. But, we found a pediatrician locally who operates her practice with an identical approach. So, we signed up our two children (yes - an annual fee) and have also had a tremendously better experience than in ANY OTHER pediatric practice. Michael I. Barr, DDS www.palmbeach-smiles.com www.racingdentist.com "If everything is under control, then you're not going fast enough" - Mario Andretti
I also read about this a while back, but a few questions came to mind. Do you still pay for your normal health insurance? If not, what happens if you need to go to the emergency room? Or you need to get an MRI? Are you paying 1500 a year just to be seen quickly?
Yes. You are like every other patient in the ER. If you need a specialist, the MDVIP doctor can be your advocate for a quick referral. The specialists are not in the MDVIP network, but your personal physician can "pull some strings." No... not JUST to be seen quickly. Yes, you are paying for ACCESS. You also get other benefits. If my dad is visiting from out of town and needs to see a doctor, my MDVIP doctor will see him with the same expediency as me. If I am travelling and need to see a doctor, and there's an MDVIP doctor in that city, I have the same benefits of quick access. I am also paying for the doctor's TIME. These days, you're lucky if you see the doctor for a few minutes or even AT ALL. In an MDVIP practice, the doctor spends TIME with you. As I said... During my 1-hour visit, I was with the doctor about 50 minutes. Try getting that in a "normal" office. Mike
I understand. I just went through a whole skin cancer thing with referral's and all the paperwork so I understand waiting an hour. Do you think they will ever have the specialists in the network? So the only thing you would need insurance for would be hospital care. Think about how much insurance costs could go down.
It's still a relatively new idea. It will take time to catch on. Dallas would be a no-brainer place to set up such a practice. A major metropolitan area like Dallas, which has PLENTY of well-heeled people who'd like to be "well-HEALED" would be perfect. Ha! I just made that up: well-heeled people who want to be well-healed! I crack myself up sometimes! Mike
I looked into MDVip as well a couple of years ago. I was not put off by the concept, but I passed at that time. The reason was because the local network was too thin. His only backup doc. was a woman working half time. It got me thinking that if he was unavailable I was out of luck. Further, in doing the math, I bet it was a pretty good deal for them to do this part time. I started getting a picture of the docs taking a lot of time off. There are a few other national groups I think. I too don't like being in waiting rooms.
