Physicians are increasingly exploring alternative care models to address the growing challenges of traditional fee-for-service medicine. As patient volumes rise and reimbursements decline, many are turning to concierge care for what they believe is a more sustainable and rewarding approach.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School’s Blavatnik Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, and Johns Hopkins University found that the number of concierge and direct primary care (DPC) practices grew by 83 percent between 2018-2023 and the number of physicians at those practices grew by 78 percent. They estimate that between 10 and 20 percent of all physicians work in concierge medicine and DPC practices.

But what does this transition actually look like for physicians and their patients? Whether a physician is considering a full conversion or a hybrid approach, understanding the nuances of concierge care and having a plan in place is essential for a successful launch.

In this article, we’ll explore reasons why physicians move to concierge care and how to develop a transition plan, including:

  • What is concierge care and the variations of this model
  • Common reasons why physicians are leaving their practices for alternative opportunities
  • An operational roadmap for going into concierge care
  • How Cor Value can support the transition to concierge medicine

What is concierge care?

Concierge medicine is a relationship-based care model in which patients pay a recurring monthly or annual membership fee for enhanced access to highly personalized care. 

  • Patients often benefit from same-day or next-day appointments, with visits that extend well beyond the typical 10–15 minutes found in traditional practice settings. 
  • In turn, physicians gain greater autonomy to make care decisions based on individual patient needs.

Physicians transitioning to concierge medicine have several structural options, each offering different levels of risk, flexibility, and patient continuity. The right approach depends on factors such as patient demographics, financial goals, and tolerance for operational change. Broadly, concierge care can be implemented through three models: full conversion, segmented, and hybrid.

Full Conversion Model

A full transition to membership-based care. The practice swaps a high-volume patient load for a smaller panel. Doctors will still bill insurance for services and labs, but the practice relies on monthly or annual membership fees for perks like longer appointments and 24/7 communications.

  • Enables greater control over schedule, care delivery, and work-life balance
  • Often requires a strong communication and patient retention strategy to minimize attrition
  • May involve short-term revenue risk during the transition period

Best suited for: Physicians seeking a complete practice transformation and maximum autonomy.

Segmented Model

A dual-structure approach where only a portion of the practice converts to concierge care. Some patients will opt into concierge services while others remain in traditional care, allowing physicians some flexibility without fully exiting fee-for-service.

  • Creates two distinct care tracks, often with different service levels
  • Requires careful operational planning to manage scheduling, staffing, and patient expectations
  • Can generate incremental revenue while maintaining broader patient access

Best suited for: Physicians who want to test concierge care with reduced financial risk.

Hybrid Model

The hybrid model combines concierge elements with a traditional practice without fully separating patient groups. All or most patients remain in the practice, but enhanced services are offered through membership tiers or add-ons, creating less disruptions for existing patients.

  • May include benefits like extended visits, direct communications, or preventive care programs
  • Maintains insurance billing while adding in membership-based revenue
  • Typically involves more gradual operational and cultural change

Best suited for: Physicians looking to improve patient care delivery and practice revenue without a full structural overhaul.

Concierge vs. Direct Primary Care (DPC)

Although concierge and DPC practices are often considered the same as they emphasize personalized care and reduced patient panels, there are specific differences between the models of care for structure and reimbursement:

  • Insurance Participation: Concierge practices still bill insurance companies and Medicare for visits and clinical services on top of the membership fee. DPC operates entirely outside the insurance system, with no payer contracts or claims.
  • Membership Fee Structure: In concierge models, the membership fee typically covers enhanced access and amenities. In DPC, the fee covers the care itself, including exams, minor procedures, and often labs at cost.

Reasons physicians move to concierge care

While every concierge practice is different, physicians often cite the high workload and relatively low pay in traditional practices. Concierge medicine offers a different pathway that may provide the following benefits: 

  • Extra Patient Time
  • More Autonomy 
  • Fewer Administrative Duties
  • Predictable Revenue Streams
  • Less Stress and Burnouts
  • Better Work-Life Balance

Physicians who move to concierge practices often have the opportunity to provide patient-centered care with a stable income and without many of the constraints of a fee-for-service model. Still, there are some drawbacks to the concierge model that should be considered, too. These challenges include:

  • Higher Patient Expectations
  • Patient Loss & Continuity
  • Perceived Inequalities in Care
  • Patient Billing Complexities
  • Regulatory & Compliance Challenges
  • Risk of Overtreating Patients

Steps for starting a concierge practice

Joining an existing concierge practice will be the fastest path to becoming a concierge physician, sometimes allowing for continuity with a portion of your current patient panel. Selling your practice to a concierge group can also provide a more streamlined transition.

However, converting your own practice requires as much of a full business transformation as a clinical one. The following steps provide a general overview to help you get started:

  1. Define the Model: Select a full conversion, hybrid, or segmented approach based on patient demographics and local market demand.
  2. Build the Financial Case: Conduct a break-even analysis and model membership pricing against a reduced panel to ensure financial sustainability.
  3. Establish Tech & Billing Infrastructure: Implement a CRM and subscription billing platform that integrates with your EHR to manage memberships and recurring payments.
  4. Ensure Compliance: Work with consultants and counsel to structure membership agreements and clearly define non-covered services to avoid payer conflicts.
  5. Train Your Team: Shift staff from task-based workflows to a hospitality-driven approach that supports a premium patient experience.
  6. Communicate the Transition: Guide patients through the change with clear messaging, timelines, and opportunities for direct conversation.
  7. Redesign the Patient Experience: Align in-office and digital workflows to support longer visits, direct access, and wellness care planning.
  8. Launch and Optimize: Roll out in phases, starting with existing patients, and refine the model based on retention, feedback, and performance.

Build a smart plan to concierge medicine with Cor Value

Transitioning to concierge care shouldn't mean risking your revenue or your patient relationships. As a dedicated partner in practice management and billing, Cor Value provides the strategic roadmap and operational recommendations you need for long-term success. From billing and compliance to staffing and growth support, we handle the complexities of transitioning to concierge medicine so you can focus on your patients.


Ready to take your practice to the next level? Contact us today to get started.