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    'Concierge' Medicine Gets More Affordable, But Is Still Not Widespread

    The model, which gives patients direct access to their doctors and longer appointment times, is proving hard to scale up.
    by Selena Simmons-Duffin Jan 13, 2020 6 minutes
    Dr. John Dunlap runs a direct primary care practice in Overland Park, Kan., offering patients direct access to him by phone, and longer appointment times. The model is similar to concierge medicine.

    Some people pay $200 a month on the golf course or a fancy cable TV package, says David Westbrook, a hospital executive in Kansas City, Mo. His splurge? He pays Dr. John Dunlap $133 a month for what he considers exceptional primary care.

    "I have the resources to spend a little extra money on my health care to my primary care physician relationship," Westbrook says. "Because I have that access — and am very proactive in managing my personal health — I think I'm going to be healthier."

    That $133 is in addition to Westbrook's monthly insurance premium, which he still needs to cover whatever Dr. Dunlap can't handle in his primary care practice, like specialist visits, hospital care, and more.

    For that fee, he has access to "concierge medicine" perks: a long, thorough annual physical exam — lab work included, no waiting room time, same-day appointments. Any other visits during the year costs him $20. His doctor knows him and understands his medical history. If

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