Choosing the right type of primary care can make all the difference in how supported, heard, and well-managed you feel.
At Epic Medical in Fox Chapel, PA, we offer both traditional family medicine and concierge primary care designed to meet your personal health needs. Whether you’re looking for premium services with direct physician access or prefer standard coverage through insurance, our team, led by Dr. Eric Skvarla and Kristine Watson, FNP, is here to help you understand your options and feel confident in your care.
If you’re unsure which model fits your lifestyle best, the guide below explains how concierge medicine and traditional primary care differ and how to choose the path that aligns with your health goals.
Key Differences Between Concierge Medicine and Traditional Primary Care
Understanding the main differences between these two healthcare models can help clarify which approach aligns best with your lifestyle and health goals.
Concierge Medicine (Direct Primary Care)
Concierge medicine is built on personalized healthcare, offering direct and immediate access to your primary care physician. Concierge practices typically have fewer patients, enabling doctors to provide longer appointments, personalized attention, and even same-day or next-day appointments.
Patients pay a monthly or annual membership fee that covers many services, including:
- Preventive and wellness care
- Chronic condition management
- Acute care visits
- Annual physicals
- Sometimes, house calls and virtual visits
Traditional Primary Care
Traditional primary care is the standard healthcare model most patients are familiar with. It usually involves a higher number of patients per physician, shorter appointment times, and appointments scheduled weeks or months in advance for routine care.
This model bills your insurance provider for most services, including:
- Routine checkups
- Sick visits and urgent care needs
- Referrals to specialists
- Preventive screenings
While more budget-friendly upfront, traditional care may not offer the same level of individualized attention or flexibility as concierge care.
Benefits of Personalized Care and Direct Physician Access
One of the greatest benefits of concierge medicine is enhanced access and personalized healthcare experience. Concierge doctors guarantee appointments promptly, often the same day or the next day. Patients frequently have direct access to their concierge primary care doctor through a personal cell phone number, allowing for immediate consultation when health concerns arise.
At Epic Medical, our concierge practices emphasize:
- Personalized care plans tailored to your medical needs
- Immediate access to your primary care physician for urgent care
- Comprehensive care, including preventive care, chronic condition management, and acute care
- House calls and virtual visits for added convenience
- Fewer patients per provider, ensuring individualized attention
Conversely, traditional primary care typically does not offer the same level of direct access due to higher patient volumes. For many patients, this is adequate; for others, particularly those managing complex chronic conditions or who require frequent medical attention, concierge medicine offers substantial benefits.
Costs and Insurance Considerations
Cost is an important factor when considering concierge medicine versus traditional primary care.
Concierge Medicine Costs
Concierge medicine involves paying an annual fee or a monthly membership fee directly to the practice. This membership often covers many medical services, preventive care, and sometimes additional benefits like house calls and after-hours care. However, concierge practices typically do not bill insurance for these membership fees, though insurance can still cover specialist visits, imaging, and lab tests ordered by your concierge physician.
Traditional Primary Care Costs
In traditional primary care, your health insurance typically covers most visits and services. Patients pay co-pays or deductibles according to their insurance provider’s plan. Traditional practices generally bill insurance directly, making it more budget-friendly upfront, though you may experience less flexibility with appointment scheduling and personalized care.
Patients should evaluate whether the higher price tag of concierge medicine is justified by the enhanced access and premium services they receive. For many patients with busy schedules or complex healthcare needs, concierge medicine is worth the investment.
Who Benefits Most from Each Model of Care?
Both concierge and traditional primary care models serve distinct patient populations:
Concierge Medicine Best Suits:
- Patients seeking highly personalized care
- Individuals with chronic conditions need frequent management
- Patients who value immediate access and flexible scheduling
- Busy professionals or families who appreciate direct physician contact
- Those willing to pay an annual or monthly fee for enhanced healthcare services
Traditional Primary Care Best Suits:
- Patients looking for standard medical care primarily covered by insurance
- Individuals with fewer immediate health concerns or lower frequency medical visits
- Patients are comfortable with scheduling appointments weeks in advance
- Those managing healthcare expenses closely and preferring lower upfront costs
Ultimately, determining if concierge medicine is worth it depends on your individual priorities, budget, health concerns, and lifestyle.
Discover Personalized Primary Care at Epic Medical
The right primary care model should support your health, your schedule, and your life. At Epic Medical in Fox Chapel, Dr. Eric Skvarla and Kristine Watson, FNP provide both traditional and concierge care, giving you the flexibility to choose what fits you best, without compromising on quality or attention.
Schedule your appointment today to meet our experienced team and explore how truly personalized care can support your long-term wellness.
