Helpful Tips for Selecting a Concierge Doctor
Dr. Fredd E. Miller details the potential benefits of concierge medicine.
Robyn Spizman Gerson is a New York Times best-selling author of many books, including “When Words Matter Most.” She is also a communications professional and well-known media personality, having appeared often locally on “Atlanta and Company” and nationally on NBC’s “Today” show. For more information go to www.robynspizman.com.
If you are a patient considering a move to a concierge doctor, there are multiple reasons why this could be a timely decision that interests you. It is helpful, first and foremost, to understand what a patient can expect from a concierge physician. It is also essential to know how a specific concierge practice process works for one’s overall health.
While concierge practices have been emerging over many years, in 2021, Dr. Fredd E. Miller made the decision to become a concierge doctor and joined Sandy Springs Internal Medicine, an established concierge medicine practice. A board-certified internist practicing since 1998, Dr. Miller earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Texas, received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and completed his internal medicine residency at Emory University affiliated hospitals. When he was approached to join this well-known concierge medical group, he knew it was the right fit.
Regarding how patients can navigate this decision when considering the option, Dr. Miller shared, “The goal of concierge medicine is to provide availability, peace of mind, and access. Becoming a concierge physician was the best decision I have ever made. I have always loved what I do, and concierge medicine was the perfect fit. As an internist, there’s never a dull moment and while I certainly work as hard as I have always worked, the structure of concierge medicine was very appealing to me. Concierge medicine can provide a meaningful opportunity for a patient when their expectations meet the services we provide. Realistic expectations are very important as each practice is unique and needs to be a fit for each patient.”
There are multiple reasons which motivate patients to pursue a concierge doctor. Dr. Miller stated, “There are many reasons someone may feel it is time to select a concierge practice. Sometimes, a person’s busy schedule can make finding care difficult so they want someone they can easily reach in their own timeframe. Or perhaps, they are older or have multiple medical issues. Some people may require more reassurance and more support coordinating their individual needs, specialists or personal challenges. Then there are those who just want to be proactive about their health and are highly motivated. And some people just want a change. The reasons differ greatly.”
He added “The goal of all our physicians is to partner with patients for their future well-being and health. That is always the bottom line for any doctor-patient relationship. I try to stress this to all my patients, that you must listen to your body and be an advocate for yourself and be a part of the team with your medical professionals.”
Regarding the popularity of the concierge practice model, Dr. Miller added, “Another reason concierge medicine has become popular is that medicine is more complicated today than ever before with new advances in technology, and new understanding in certain areas of biology and physiology. The way we address and treat problems has changed dramatically and continues to change. I believe that educating a patient and providing understanding of their own medical problems leads to a healthier patient and better outcomes. An educated patient is more likely to become an advocate for themselves and be more motivated to work as a team. In many ways, the internist is the conductor of the orchestra. I very much believe in teaching patients to advocate for themselves and what that really means. When I refer a patient to a specialist, I want the patient to have clarity as to why they are seeing them and to know what questions to ask to best learn about their medical health.”
Dr. Miller shared, “When a patient wants to determine if our concierge practice is a fit, prior to joining the practice, an initial meeting is scheduled with the prospective patient and doctor. I encourage patients to interview their options to make sure they have found the best match. Once a patient is accepted in a concierge practice and the process begins, a patient starts by sharing their full medical profile. Our practice sets up a detailed data review collection of the entire medical history, vaccinations, pharmacy records, medications and surgical history.”
Another reason concierge medicine has become popular is that medicine is more complicated today than ever before with new advances in technology, and new understanding in certain areas of biology and physiology. The way we address and treat problems has changed dramatically and continues to change. I believe that educating a patient and providing understanding of their own medical problems leads to a healthier patient and better outcomes.
The important thing Dr. Miller suggests is to, “keep in mind if you are searching for a concierge physician, you need to understand how it works and select a doctor that inspires you to stay motivated about your overall health. Make sure you are aligned in your beliefs and expectations and understand what they provide and how the partnership works.”
While Dr. Miller has enjoyed every step of his career along the way as an internist, the concierge approach is clearly a meaningful match. If you are searching for a concierge medicine service, prospective patients should keep in mind there can be waiting lists and you’ll potentially discover some practices or specific doctors are already full. Timing is everything and be patient.
Dr. Miller adds, “Happy, well-informed and healthier patients are the goal for all doctors, and as a concierge physician, I value the extra time available for my patients. This has proven to be a wonderful match for both me and my patients who have made the decision to transition to concierge care.”
For more information visit www.ssim.com.
Common FAQ About Concierge Medicine
* Can I meet the doctor first to see if this is a match for me?
* How does your office merge my medical records, history and collect all of my previous data?
* How does my health insurance get handled at the practice? Who will guide me administratively and be my contact?
* How does communication work at the practice regarding calls or questions including after hour calls? Who will I speak to if you are unavailable?
* Do you have a portal I will need to sign up for where all my records will be stored?
* What is the membership fee, what does it cover and how does that work yearly and throughout time?
* Do you have a hospital affiliation and what if I use physicians at other hospitals?
* How does your referral process work for additional specialists?
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