Is Concierge Medicine Worth the Price?

Barron's Retirement

Read in browser Sponsored By: By Elizabeth O'Brien | Sunday, September 28 How much would you pay for better access to your doctor? That's the question behind concierge medicine, the growing trend of physicians charging membership fees in exchange for same-day appointments, 24/7 texting abilities, and other perks. Many patients feel it's well worth it to fork over $1,000-plus a year to reduce the considerable friction involved in getting medical care in this country. Some concierge practices bill insurance for uncovered services, while others don't take it at all. Regardless, patients still need to carry insurance for hospitalizations and other needs that don't fall under an office's concierge umbrella. There isn't much evidence linking concierge services to improved health outcomes. Any studies would have to control for wealth, since affluent people in the U.S. tend to be healthier than poorer people. I see a real benefit in the care coordination. Many concierge doctors work their connections to get you a timely specialist appointment and then communicate with that specialist on your care plan. For people with complex conditions, that can be a huge boon. Learn more about concierge doctors in today's edition. CONTENT FROM: Northern Trust Rethink Your Equity Strategy Now Market volatility is testing traditional equity approaches. Northern Trust Asset Management's Tax Advantaged Equity strategy can turn disruption into after-tax opportunity through high-frequency tax-loss harvesting, direct manager access, and global flexibility. See how we can help deliver stronger results. Learn More BARRON'S LATEST There's a New Tax Break for Concierge Medicine Starting next year, you can use HSA funds to pay certain direct primary care fees. But is it worth it? How a Government Shutdown Could Affect Social Security Benefit checks will continue, but this could be compromised. Moves to Make Now to Trim Your Tax Bill Next Year Do them now, before the holiday rush. Moving in Retirement Doesn't Always Go As Planned Here are three things to keep in mind for a smoother transition. The Wealthy Are Paying Their Adult Kids' Bills. Some Are Starting to Worry. More than a third fret it could hamper their retirement prospects. WHAT WE'RE READING Saying Goodbye to The Wall Street Journal's Jonathan Clements The paper's long-time personal finance columnist touched many lives. RESOURCES Social Security Medicare Required Minimum Distribution calculator Getting Ready to Retire? Here's a Planning Guide for the 5 Years Before Your Last Day. Finra's Guide to Social Isolation and the Risk of Investment Fraud The SEC's Guide to Identity Theft, Data Breaches, and Your Investment Accounts Sign up for more newsletters You are currently subscribed as aymentanaze.news@blogger.com Contact us   |   Privacy Notice   |   Cookie Notice Not a subscriber? Subscribe to Barron's now Forward 4300 Route 1 North, South Brunswick, NJ 08852 ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unsubscribe