Understanding Concierge Medicine

Dr. Benjamin Ho, Medical Director of Texas Children’s Pediatrics Concierge Medicine program, explains why parents should consider concierge medicine for their child’s pediatric care. 

“This is incredible!  I can’t believe you picked up the phone! This is just like the old days.” These are just some of the comments that I always receive when I merely answer the phone.  It has become increasingly clear to me that direct patient-doctor communication is a hallmark for this type of practice.  I have worked as a pediatrician at Texas Children’s in a traditional clinic for nearly 20 years and my recent transition to concierge medicine has been the most rewarding and amazing job that I have ever had in my medical career.  As a concierge doctor, I feel the same excitement and joy as I did as a young, budding medical student becoming a doctor. I’m passionate about giving children and families the highest standard of care, and consider it an honor to be able to do so.

What is concierge medicine?

While the practice of concierge medicine has certainly been around for decades, the concept has gained more popularity in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.  It’s just one of several new ways patients and families prefer to interact with their physician. While some prefer the traditional model, there are now other ways in which you can interact with your physician, such as telehealth or virtual visits. Concierge medicine is another option offered at Texas Children’s Pediatrics. It is a healthcare model that offers families an elevated level of service and attention through a focus on accessibility and convenience. Patients pay an annual or monthly fee to a primary care physician in exchange for direct access and enhanced services.  This fee covers a range of services, from extended visits, faster appointment scheduling and 24/7 communication with the doctor.  In this model, physicians have more direct contact with patients, which allows for more focused and holistic care.  In my experience, this has been game-changing for both my patients and me. 

What are the benefits?

For me, the transition to concierge medicine has been awesome!  I feel like I can deliver personalized care and communicate with the patients in a relaxed and easygoing manner.  For my patients, this has been just as transformative.  With direct access to me 24/7, my patients feel assured knowing that I am just one phone call or message away.  They are always enormously grateful when they receive a follow-up call from me every day their child is sick or when we discuss laboratory or imaging results and specialist visits the same day it happens.  A big part of why I wanted to be a doctor is the personal, human side of medicine and concierge medicine has allowed me to forge much deeper bonds with my patients and enrich our relationship.   

Who would be interested?

Anyone who prefers a more one-on-one, 24/7 approach to their child’s care should consider concierge medicine. Parents with children who have specialized needs find concierge medicine beneficial since they can get their questions answered right away. Also, families consisting of multiple children appreciate concierge medicine as it helps them maintain the multiple visits and health concerns that come with having more children. Regardless of family size or need, concierge medicine comes down to preference for the parents and patient. It can be impactful, while easing the stress that naturally comes with having a sick child or simply wanting to make sure your child remains healthy.

 The future is bright

The future of concierge medicine is bright, and I expect this emerging practice to grow exponentially.  As it continues to popularize, it will continue to become increasingly affordable for everyone.  The benefits for both physicians and patients are enormous and the positive health implications are endless. I am proud that Texas Children’s is the first pediatric hospital system in the nation to embark on this new endeavor and I anticipate other pediatric hospitals to adopt this healthcare model as well.  As the world continues to advance more towards computers and artificial intelligence, it is nice to know that this movement of medicine is becoming more human. 

 

 

 

Learn more about Dr. Benjamin Ho and Concierge Medicine at Texas Children’s Pediatrics.

 

 

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