I have been researching Concierge Doctors in my area and have found that most do not accept patients who are Medicare age which confuses me since their model requires patients to pay a fee instead of using insurance. Well, Medicare is just another form of insurance isn’t it? Why would they not simply accept me as a patient, but not accept my Medicare for payment?
In general, I like the Concierge concept and would like to move in that direction, but the confusing point about not accepting Medicare patients is a stumbling block. If you’re a Concierge patient what is your experience with that model whether of Medicare age or not?
Medicare has federal law behind it. Taking care of Medicare patients is a different ball game and is not at all the same as private insurance.
That being said, there should be options for you if you look around.
We are literally not allowed to charge patients of Medicare age whatever we want. It is quite comical with stories of rich older people travelling to see some world renowned specialist and the hotel room is more than the surgeons fee. Let alone the airfare or private jet flight.
If you don’t participate in Medicare, you get to charge a whooping 15% above Medicare rates. You can completely opt out but that is a 2 year commitment and has lots of repercussions.
I just looked it up and 1% of doctors opt out but… 40% of those are psychiatrists.
Thanks for the information. That 15% above Medicare rates for Concierge doctors who would accept me does sound ridiculous and needs to be corrected. I am perfectly able and willing to pay what a Concierge doctor charges!