Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling like there was not enough time to discuss everything on your mind? Traditional primary care can provide valuable medical support, but busy schedules and high patient volumes may limit the time available for each visit. Concierge medicine offers an alternative for people who want greater access, longer appointments, and a more personalized relationship with their physician.
Dr. Douglas Hilbert is a board-certified internal medicine physician and Fellow of the American College of Physicians who provides evidence-based concierge medicine centered on long-term, collaborative patient relationships. Drawing on extensive experience in academic medicine, hospital medicine, physician leadership, and medical education, he develops individualized treatment plans built around each patient’s health needs and goals.
How Traditional Primary Care Typically Works
Traditional primary care practices generally care for many patients and bill insurance for individual appointments and services. Patients receive preventive care, treatment for illnesses, chronic disease management, and referrals when necessary.
Because these practices may serve thousands of patients, appointments can be relatively brief, and scheduling routine or nonurgent visits may require additional lead time.
What Makes Concierge Medicine Different?
Concierge medicine typically involves paying a membership or retainer fee in exchange for enhanced physician access and a more personalized care experience. Depending on the practice, patients may benefit from:
- Longer, less rushed appointments
- More convenient scheduling
- Greater access to their physician
- Comprehensive preventive health discussions
- Personalized health and wellness planning
- More time to discuss complex medical concerns
- Stronger continuity between routine visits
Rather than focusing only on treating problems as they occur, concierge care can provide additional opportunities to discuss prevention, risk factors, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
Choosing the Right Primary Care Model
Neither model is automatically right for everyone. Traditional primary care may work well for patients who are comfortable with standard appointment scheduling and primarily need routine medical services.
Concierge medicine may appeal to people who value increased physician availability, extended appointment time, individualized attention, and an ongoing relationship with a doctor who becomes deeply familiar with their medical history.
Experience More Personalized Concierge Medicine in San Antonio, TX
Build a closer, more collaborative relationship with your physician through concierge medicine tailored to your individual health priorities. Call 210-614-4000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hilbert and learn whether this approach to primary care is right for you.
