VIP treatment: Just what the doctor ordered? -- Page 2
By Peter Davidson • Bankrate.com

Widespread criticism
Critics see the trend toward this type of medical care as nothing more than a way for money-hungry doctors to increase their earnings.

"It's greedy and unconscionable," says retiree Herbert Kleinhaut of Boca Raton, Fla., whose primary care doctor, "told me that he was limiting his practice to 600 patients and it would cost a $1,500 a year fee to remain his patient."

Kleinhaut's doctor had signed on with MDVIP, which today has 40 doctors in eight states and is hoping to recruit 1,000 doctors nationwide.

For their yearly fee, MDVIP patients are promised deluxe services including same-day appointments, no waiting time, an annual comprehensive physical, a wellness plan and physician availability 24-7 via personal pager or cell phone, says MDVIP spokeswoman Ellen Weinstein. She adds, "MDVIP doctors see only 8 to 10 patients a day."

Experts, however, raise ethical and legal questions about concierge medicine.

"It's unprofessional," says Dr. Jay Jacobson, a professor of internal medicine at the University Of Utah School Of Medicine.

And Tampa, Fla., physician Ira Mandel says, "It's understandable (doctors) want to take charge and accept higher compensation for fewer patients, but it's very unproductive and gives the appearance that doctors are greedy and catering to the highest bidder."

Good for the wealthy
As for patients, those who can afford it couldn't be happier. Seattle businessman David Heerensperger and his wife paid $20,000 to MD2.

"At first we thought it was quite a bit of money," he says. But when his hip replacement slipped out during a trip to Hong Kong, Dr. Maron, the MD2 founder, coordinated his care by cell phone. "Even if it cost half as much again, it's still nice to have that service," says Heerensperger.

And in Florida, MDVIP patient Dick Schramm is convinced his $1,500 annual fee is well worth it. "They say it's only for the rich," says Schramm. "You know what? So be it. I go to other doctors and have to wait an hour and a half for a three minute visit. This is like joining a country club. How many poor people can afford a country club?"

But can "concierge care" deliver what it promises? One Florida internist, who looked into converting his practice, but ultimately decided against it, doubts that it can.

"It's fine to offer longer visits and no waiting time, but a primary care doctor's day can't be neatly scheduled," says the doctor who requested anonymity. "Emergencies happen, and they often happen in a bunch. I think there are bound to be lots of disappointed patients who will have paid a lot of money for immediate access to their doctor, but that's not always possible."

Peter Davidson is a freelance writer based in Florida.