Concierge Medical Care Comes to the Middle Class

A growing number of primary care doctors, spurred by frustration with insurance requirements, are bringing [concierge medical care] to the masses…. Patients pay $100 a month or less directly to the physician for comprehensive primary care, including basic medication, lab tests and follow-up visits in person, over email and by phone. The idea is that doctors can focus on treating patients, since they no longer have to wade through heaps of insurance paperwork. They spend less on overhead, driving costs down…. It’s legal under the Affordable Care Act. … But since it doesn’t cover specialists or emergencies, consumers still need a high-deductible health plan. Still, the combined cost of the monthly fee and that plan is often cheaper than traditional insurance.” (National Public Radio)