First few Article Sentences
Primary care physicians are declining in number, largely because of heavy patient loads, poor reimbursement levels, and insufficient time for properly evaluating patients. One option for physicians wishing to continue practicing in primary care is to reform their practices into what is known as "concierge care." The underlying philosophy of concierge care is that of a “membership practice” in which patients pay an annual fee in exchange for enhanced physician services, such as same day appointments, longer appointment times, 24-hour telephone access to physicians and coordinated referrals to specialists. Physicians may limit the number of patients in the practice, self-regulate the time spent with each patient, and determine the membership fee amount charged independent of payor reimbursement rates.