Health & Fitness

• Enlarge

Category: Health

With concierge medical care, the doctor is always in

Fed up with crowded waiting rooms, impersonal doctor visits and the insurance industry's red tape?

More and more doctors nationwide are abandoning traditional care in favor of concierge-style medicine. It's a trend that many medical consumers don't yet know about.

However, those who have heard of concierge health care also have strong feelings on the subject. Some oppose the exclusivity of concierge medicine, but others have welcomed it as the answer to their medical prayers.

A recent nationwide poll of Angie's List members revealed that about 40 percent of the respondents are aware of the health care trend -- which is exactly what it sounds like: a doctor who's on call to only a small group of patients, in some cases 24 hours a day. There has been no official tracking, but an estimated 1,500 doctors nationwide have abandoned traditional care in favor of concierge-style medicine.

Angie's List offers some tips to consider before you hire a concierge health care provider:

-- Interview your doctor: Your physician is working for you. Ask questions to learn more about your doctor, like how he or she would treat a preexisting condition, handles emergencies during off hours, and her or his education and residency background.

--Know what you are paying for: How many patients will your doctor see on any given day? How long should you expect to wait for an appointment? Will your doctor respond personally to your emails and phone calls?

--Ask questions about your health: Your doctor might use big words when discussing your health, so don't settle for being in the dark. If you don't understand, ask questions.

--Know your vitals: Keep track of things like your blood sugar and cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight and other vital statistics. Knowing this information, where you are and where you need to be, is vital.

--Research your doctor: The days of picking a name out of a phone book are gone. There is a variety of resources - including Angie's List - available for consumers to make informed decisions before choosing a new physician.