Definition
A primary-care practice model in which patients pay an annual or monthly retainer for enhanced access to their physician, including same-day appointments, longer visits, and direct communication.
In Depth
Concierge medicine — sometimes called direct primary care or retainer-based medicine — is a primary-care delivery model in which patients pay a recurring fee directly to their physician's practice in exchange for enhanced services. Typical features include 24/7 physician access, same-day or next-day appointments, longer visit times (30-60 minutes), and limited panel size (300-600 patients vs. 2,000+ in traditional practice).
Practices may also bill insurance for covered services, or operate on a cash-only basis with no insurance billing. Annual retainer fees in 2026 range from $1,500 to $25,000+ depending on the practice tier.
Related Terms
Direct Primary Care (DPC)
A primary-care model in which patients pay a flat monthly or annual fee directly to the practice, eliminating insurance billing for primary-care services. Often used interchangeably with concierge medicine.
Primary Care
First-contact, comprehensive medical care typically delivered by family medicine physicians, internists, or pediatricians. Functions as the patient's main point of entry into the healthcare system.
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