Concierge medicine has become a rapidly growing option for people seeking easier access, shorter wait times, and unhurried visits. At his private practice in San Antonio, TX, Dr. Douglas Hilbert combines this access with his unique board-certified internal medicine expertise and fellowship training, providing our patients with superior, evidence-based care.
There are some major myths surrounding concierge medicine today, and it might surprise you to learn just how inaccurate they are.
Myth 1: Concierge medicine is only for the wealthy
A frequent misconception is that membership-based care is a luxury service. In reality, transparent pricing often compares to the cost of a daily coffee or a small gym add-on.
Dr. Hilbert designs our memberships to be surprisingly affordable—approximately $5 per day on average. The monthly fee is intended to improve access, not restrict it, offering same-day or next-day appointments, direct messaging, and extended visits.
These features help reduce missed diagnoses, unnecessary urgent care trips, and the hidden costs of taking time off work for multiple short appointments. For many patients, the value comes from convenience and proactive, prevention-focused care that can minimize downstream medical expenses.
Myth 2: It’s no different from traditional primary care
Traditional primary care can feel rushed because physicians often manage very large patient panels. Concierge practices intentionally limit their patient roster so each visit is longer and more thorough. That protected time allows for detailed history, medication review, lifestyle counseling, and preventive screening strategies tailored to personal risk.
Clear follow-up and coordination with specialists are included in Dr. Hilbert’s model, so recommendations are easier to act on. It often means it’s faster to get the care you need, too. The result? A more personalized experience that supports better long-term health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.
Myth 3: Healthy people don’t benefit from concierge care
Feeling well today doesn’t guarantee the same will be true tomorrow or a month from now. Concierge care prioritizes prevention through regular touchpoints, risk-factor tracking, and early intervention.
Dr. Hilbert provides practical guidance on sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management, adapting your recommendations to your changing goals and life stages. This means you can maintain your good health and avoid many new problems.
Ongoing access also makes it simple to address small issues before they escalate, whether that involves a new symptom, a medication question, or travel health needs. This proactive approach supports longevity and sustained quality of life at every age.
Concierge medicine offers convenience, personalization, and peace of mind. If you live in San Antonio and want to see how this model could fit your needs, book an appointment to take the next step toward more connected primary care.
