Overview
Concierge Medicine is a membership-based physician relationship intended to support continuity, time, access, and care coordination. At Vitruvian Medicine, it is not a third competing service pillar. It is the ongoing model that may connect Executive Health, Longevity Medicine, and supporting care.
At a Glance
- A relationship model, not a menu of isolated treatments.
- Intended to support continuity and coordination.
- May connect Executive Health and Longevity Medicine over time.
- Does not replace health insurance, emergency services, or specialists.
- Does not guarantee 24/7 or immediate physician access.
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge Medicine generally describes a physician practice in which patients pay a membership fee for a defined set of non-insurance services, access features, or relationship benefits. Models vary widely. Some emphasize more time, scheduling access, communication, prevention, or coordination. The phrase alone does not tell a patient what is included.
Who may value a concierge relationship?
This model may fit adults who value:
- A consistent physician who knows their history and priorities.
- More opportunity for planning and follow-up.
- Coordination across specialists, records, medications, and preventive needs.
- A defined channel for non-emergency questions.
- Longitudinal interpretation rather than episodic testing.
- A close connection between Executive Health and Longevity Medicine.
It may not fit someone whose main need is emergency care, a specialist procedure, hospital care, or an insurance-based model the practice does not provide.
What may membership include?
Physician visits
Number, length, format, scheduling priority, routine versus urgent boundaries, and whether visits are included or billed separately.
Communication
Approved phone, portal, email, or text channels; office coverage; response targets; nights, weekends, holidays, and physician availability.
Prevention and planning
Whether preventive review, care planning, record review, or periodic health summaries are included.
Coordination
What the practice will do to obtain records, communicate with specialists, review outside results, and follow transitions of care.
Supporting clinical care
Whether diagnostics, hormone evaluation, medical weight management, or other services are included, separately billed, or outside the membership.
Administrative terms
Price, payment schedule, term, renewal, cancellation, refunds, enrollment capacity, family options, and eligibility.
How does the relationship work?
1. Consultation
The practice explains the confirmed model and determines whether needs and expectations align. A request does not guarantee enrollment.
2. Agreement and consent
The patient should receive a clear written agreement before payment. It should distinguish membership benefits from clinical services, insurance-covered items, and third-party charges.
3. Onboarding
Records, medications, preventive history, current clinicians, and goals are collected through secure channels. The patient receives communication and emergency instructions.
4. Ongoing care
The physician and patient use the agreed visit and communication model. The practice coordinates within its scope and refers when needed.
5. Review and renewal
The relationship should be reviewed for clinical fit, expectations, and updated terms. Cancellation and refunds must follow the agreement.
How does Vitruvian approach concierge care?
The intended approach is relationship-centered. More access has value only when it supports better communication, thoughtful decisions, continuity, and follow-up. Concierge care should not become a promise that every request will result in a test, treatment, or immediate physician response.
What does membership not replace?
Membership is not health insurance. It does not replace 911, emergency departments, hospitalization, specialists, or services outside the agreement. Patients may still need insurance for major medical care, prescriptions, laboratory work, imaging, procedures, and outside clinicians.
Important limitations and safety considerations
- A concierge relationship is not an emergency service.
- Access must be defined and should not be described as unlimited or 24/7 unless the practice can contractually and operationally provide it.
- Membership does not guarantee a diagnosis, prescription, referral, or outcome.
- The physician may recommend emergency, urgent, or specialist care.
- Standard email, text, and website forms may not be appropriate for protected medical information.
- Care coordination depends on patient authorization and cooperation from outside entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is concierge medicine health insurance?
No. Membership should not be presented as insurance or a substitute for insurance.
Can I keep my existing specialists?
Concierge care may coordinate with existing clinicians.
Does membership include hormone or weight care?
Clinical services require separate evaluation even if administrative access is included.
What happens in an emergency?
Call 911 or seek emergency care. Do not wait for a website, portal, email, or membership response.
Medical Disclaimer
It does not establish a physician-patient relationship or create any access, service, or response-time obligation.