Concierge Medicine
Concierge medicine, also known as “retainer medicine” is when participation in a medical practice is membership-based or retainer-based. In exchange for the “retainer”, the practice agrees to provide enhanced personalized care including commitments to ensure adequate time and availability for each patient. This allows for exclusive, personalized medical care with accessibility and convenience.
This model of medical care allows the doctor to spend more time with each patient, coordinate care between specialists, and have greater availability of care. In a concierge practice, the patients have 24-hour direct telephone access to the practice. Patient’s experience speedy medication refills. Concierge physicians typically offer same or next business day availability for office appointments. If there is a major medical problem, your physician is able to coordinate care with specialists and hospital care as necessary. Modern medicine is often interlaced with corporate medicine however with the concierge model of care, there is no corporate health system interference.
Concierge Medicine
This model of medical care allows the doctor to spend more time with each patient, coordinate care between specialists, and have greater availability of care. In a concierge practice, the patients have 24-hour direct telephone access to their primary care doctor. Patient’s experience speedy medication refills. Concierge physicians typically offer same or next business day availability for office appointments. If there is a major medical problem, your physician is able to coordinate care with specialists and hospital care as necessary. Modern medicine is often interlaced with corporate medicine however with the concierge model of care, there is no corporate health system interference
Concierge Medicine vs.
Traditional Medicine
Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Medicine
In a traditional medical practice, the doctor may have a large panel of patients (up to 4000 patients). A doctor may see up to 30-40 patients a day for visits that usually last no more than 10-15 minutes per patient. It often takes weeks to months to schedule an appointment with a “provider”. The “provider” may be a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a physician’s assistant. Results of diagnostic tests are often discussed with a nurse or a medical assistant.
A concierge model of medicine provides a completely different patient experience. The physicians who participate in concierge or direct primary care typically have a patient panel of no more than 350 individuals. The physician typically sees 6-10 patients per day and spends at least 30-45 minutes with each patient. Patients have direct access to the practice by telephone. Patients are able to have same or next business day appointments. Patients have faster access and are able to spend adequate time with their concierge physician discussing the results of their tests as well as a follow up plan.
Nephrology
Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine that is dedicated to kidney diseases and hypertension. As a board-certified nephrologist, Dr. Shtern specializes in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, proteinuria, medical management of kidney stones, electrolyte disorders, and has extensive experience with patients suffering with End Stage Renal Disease.
Geriatric Medicine
We provide highly personalized, relationship-based medical care designed for the unique needs of older adults.
Our concierge practice is dedicated to helping seniors maintain independence, mobility, and quality of life as they age. We focus on the complex medical challenges that often accompany aging, including frailty, memory changes, mobility limitations, medication management, and coordination of care between specialists.
We place special emphasis on cognitive health, offering evaluation and ongoing support for patients experiencing memory concerns, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. Our approach includes early identification of cognitive changes, thoughtful care planning, and close collaboration with families and caregivers to ensure patients remain safe, supported, and engaged in daily life.
Through extended appointments and direct physician access, we take the time to fully understand each patient’s medical history, personal goals, and support system. Our services include comprehensive health evaluations, optimization of chronic conditions, medication review and simplification, advance care planning, and coordination with neurologists, rehabilitation providers, and other specialists when needed.
We take a whole-person approach that considers medical, cognitive, and social factors when developing individualized care plans. Our goal is to simplify healthcare for patients and their families while providing attentive, thoughtful, and proactive medical care.
Insurances We Accept
