ConciergePhysicians

See this blog posting at http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2007/12/retainer-medicine-ethical-or-not.html

If you want some challenging and topical reading try this article published a couple of weeks ago by the Commonwealth Fund.

Jack Marquis

If you would like to post a message in prime, please send it to jmarquis@wnj.com and I’ll post it.

Thanks.

 Jack Marquis

That of every health insurance premium paid: 24% goes to doctors; 30% goes to hospitals and free-standing clinics; 16% goes for prescription drugs; and 11% goes for administrative costs. That of every health insurance premium paid, 3% represents the insurance company profits. In 2004, 2005, and 2006 the increase in employers’ health care costs was greater (by a margin of about 12% to 7%) than the increase for employees. 2007 was the first year that the increase for employees was greater (about 12%) than it was for employers (about 7%). (Source: Business Week – December 10, 2007) 

See http://www.wehealny.org/directory/14B/14b.html for more information about the new Roosevelt Hospital service.

Here’s what was stated in a web article written for the New York Sun by E. B. Solomont, a Staff Reporter for the paper: “For $750 a night, new mothers now have the option of deluxe accommodations at Roosevelt Hospital. Joining a growing number of hospitals that are focused on patient amenities, the hospital, situated on Tenth Avenue in Manhattan, has opened a wing of private rooms where patients are served gourmet meals and have access to concierge and room service. Each room in the seven-bed unit features views of Manhattan, as well as creature comforts such as refrigerators stocked with water and juice, baskets of grooming supplies, robes, flat screen televisions, and DVD players. The unit “was created to meet the needs of our patients and to maintain our competitive edge as Manhattan’s largest obstetrical service,” the hospital’s senior vice president, Timothy Day, said. Renovations cost the hospital $200,000, and the unit officially opened in October. Last year, Roosevelt doctors delivered 5,750 babies and the hospital expects nearly 6,000 deliveries this year. A 2006 report by the city public advocate found the hospital’s rate of cesarean sections in 2004 was 26.7%, well below the 39.6% for that year at New York-Presbyterian Hospital’s Columbia campus and the 37.1% at New York-Presbyterian’s Cornell campus.”

Here is what Dr. Campbell said in her comment to the prior post. “I did not attend. My practice is “retail model” and I have been doing it for 2 years and 4 months. While I am EXTREMELY happy, and glad of my decision, I am barely breaking even on the revenue side of things. The practice growth is slow and steady. Unfortunately it costs me too much money and revenue lost to attend such conferences at this time. This is one down side of the solo practice retail model. If you are out, no income! I have offered “all inclusive” package rates, but have had only 3 takers in 2 years. I want to attend SIMPD again, but will not be able to under the revenue stream is more steady. Love the blog idea.”

I’d be happy to hear, and I am sure others would as well, what you have experienced in your practices.

Jack Marquis

After a flight cancellation and a few other delays, I finally made it to the SIMPD national conference in Washington last Monday. Did you attend the conference? If so, would you like to share your comments and thoughts?

Jack Marquis