The New York Times reported yesterday that, despite the economic hardships that prevail in the US, concierge medical practices appear to be weathering the storm. Journalist Kevin Sack writes:

For the most part, however, boutique practices have shown resiliency. Doctors said the recession seemed to have reaffirmed the importance of health care to their patients. With jobs scarce and stress at a peak, many may see a link between continued health and continued employment. And with savings depleted, they recognize that assiduous preventive care may help them avoid costly chronic conditions and hospitalizations (emphasis mine).

As the article mentioned, folks have argued that concierge practices are elitist. And yet the consumer seems to think not.

When an 82 year old retired woman of apparent modest means chooses to stick with her "boutique" physician, or a laid-off hotel manager opts to forgo other luxuries in order to stay with his concierge doc, my reading between the lines tells me that many people place high value on good health.

Our broken system with its long office waits, "our next available appointment is in 2 and half months" (that is what my husband was told for a test his physician ordered!) attitude, and harassed, disgruntled physicians, is not providing the reassurance patients are seeking.

A few months ago, I took my daughter to see her pediatrician for what I was sure was strep throat. We waited over an hour to be seen, for a visit and a throat swab that took a little under 5 minutes with an indifferent covering physician who couldn't find even one minute to make a teeny personal comment. Like "How are you feeling, little girl?". I was one of the lucky moms who didn't need any extra information, being an MD myself. However, this physician, whom we'd never seen before, didn't know that. I pitied the poor parents with a greater need for solace or information.

Had this been an ordinary weekday visit, the visit's opportunity cost would have been for me the equivalent of a big chunk of an annual concierge fee. And if it happens again on a week day, I shall most certainly consider seeking out a retainer practice for my daughter!

And were I ever in the position of having to go back into practice, mine would be an innovative blend of Jay Parkinson (high tech), Garrison Bliss's Qliance (reasonable fee scale) and Andy Oakes-Lottridge or Natalie Hodge (care delivered in your home or office -- or old-fashioned house calls)!

It's time to do away with the silly pejoratives of "concierge" and "boutique". Let's get real and call it "Attentive medicine". Or "Comprehensive practice primary care". What would you call it?