One of the biggest complaints about medical care today is the push for quantity over quality. Going to the doctor feels like a hassle that isn’t always worth its cost with unpredictable wait times for a rushed consultation that may or may not adequately address the patient’s concern. But do you have a choice. Isn’t that just “how it is”?
You do have a choice. In 1990’s, the concierge medicine model was developed as alternative to traditional care under the fee-for-service structure. The goal was to sidestep traditional obstacles to medical care (i.e. accessibility) and allow patients to develop closer relationships with their providers. Concierge doctors offer their services to patients directly in exchange for an upfront fee, usually paid monthly. Their services used to be common only among wealthy patients who could afford the fees, but in recent years, concierge medicine has become more affordable and more available.
In Iowa City, Dr. Rick Larew “practices medicine differently” at Larew Internal Medicine.
“My practice philosophy is to provide the best care
to every single person who walks in the door
and treat every patient with the utmost respect.”
-Dr. Larew
The Larew Internal Medicine website lists some pros of concierge medicine:
- 24/7 DIRECT COMMUNICATIONS
After hours, for urgent issues you can reach me by personal cell phone, email or text message. - MERCY HOSPITAL AFFILIATION
If you require hospitalization at Mercy Hospital, I will serve as your attending physician. - LONGER, UNHURRIED APPOINTMENTS
Your Comprehensive Annual Health Assessment will be scheduled for 60 minutes and all other appointments for approximately 30 minutes. You will be seen as early as the same day, for acute visits. - STRONG FOCUS ON PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND WELLNESS
We conduct a thorough assessment of your health which serves as the basis of your personalized wellness plan. - REAL PEOPLE TO TAKE YOUR CALLS
During office hours, calls are answered live, with no phone prompts or buttons to press. - SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS
You will be seen as early as the same day, for acute visits.
