Membership works to enhance patient care

Convenience and accessibility has led to a new trend in health care – concierge medicine.

Concierge medicine is an enhanced service that guarantees patients quick and easy access to their doctor. The concierge doctors have smaller of ces with fewer patients than one would have at a working in a hospital. This means doctors can provide longer, more thorough visits with their patients, as well as make house calls. Patients can also reach their doctor 24/7 with phone calls, emails and even text messages.

Concierge medicine is a new concept that is on the rise across the country and was introduced in Shreveport-Bossier City within the last several years.

After experiencing the pressure as a physician in a hospital, Dr. Richard Sipes left the traditional health-care model to open the concierge of ce Cardinal Care, located at 8835 Line Ave., in 2009. “It was frustrating for me because I went into primary care to be the go-to person for my patients,” Sipes said. “I wanted them to be able to call me and come in and see me if there was a problem. I wanted to be able to take care of them in the hospital or nursing home. That’s the whole concept of concierge care, being able to be there for your patients.”

Sipes said he had more than 2,200 patients when working in a hospital. He now has about 250 patients to whom he is able to dedicate longer visits, out-ofof ce visits and more thorough check-ups and health management.

Dr. Olabode Desalu and Dr. Amanda Kampert were also unsatis ed until they opened Choice Pediatrics, located at 6930 Fern Ave., in 2011 as a concierge of ce dedicated to children’s health.

“We didn’t like that rushed feeling,” Desalu said. “Both of us are parents and we knew about going to a doctor’s of ce and waiting hours to be seen. Then you go in for 10 minutes, and you just feel majorly unsatis ed.”

Using the concierge format, they are able to spend time building relationships with the families who visit.

“It’s refreshing to have this personal touch,” Desalu said. “Some grandparents say they wish they had it for their kids when they were growing up. Some people have said this is the best thing for them because it just makes life easier for them.”

Desalu and Sipes said that referrals appear to be driving the trend as satis ed patients are sharing their experience with other family and friends. However, there are still some with questions and doubts when it comes to cost.

Concierge care patients pay for monthly or annual memberships. The costs of memberships vary by of ce and location. Concierge physicians usually encourage patients to continue using their health insurance in addition to a concierge membership for needs outside of general care, such as health issues needing emergency room attention and/or specialists.

A monthly membership at Cardinal Care for an adult at $175 per month (with a three-month minimum) covers a comprehensive physical exam and a panel of preventative tests. Visits throughout the year except for the annual physical exam, are billed to your insurance company. For patients without insurance, a nominal per-visit fee is assessed. Additional tests may incur additional fees for the patient.

Choice Pediatrics caters to children up to 18-years-old. The services provided include well and sick visits, immunizations and prenatal visit for expecting mothers. A monthly membership at Choice Pediatrics varies by age group and ranges from $50 to $100 with no minimum of months to sign up. Copays and deductibles required by the insurance company are deducted from the membership fee, and the insurance company is billed for covered services.

“We do not bill our patients extra,” Desalu said. “Whatever is not covered by insurance, we do not charge.”

Sipes said membership fees are drastically lower in Shreveport-Bossier City than what one would nd in larger cities such as Dallas. As patients try concierge concept, they are nding is that the service is well worth the membership cost. “I think over time more and more people are starting to realize that this is a truly valuable service and they realize that the costs are reasonable,” Sipes said.

For those still on the fence about the concept, Choice Pediatrics offers a one month free trial. “We have an option to try us for a month and so far everyone who has done that has stayed,” Desalu said. “If you like to be in and out of your doctor’s of ce without waiting, if you want to have the option of having someone come to your home, if you want to talk to a doctor anytime, this is the thing to do.”

– Tiana Kennell

DO THE RESEARCH:

Find out whether concierge medicine is right for you and your family. Contact Cardinal Care at 935-6177 or www. cardinalcaremd.com and Choice Pediatrics at 290 3673 or www. choicepediatrics.net.