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By: Ellen Cans
A new industry is shaping itself and booming in the Big Apple—concierge medicine. As reported by the NY Post, wealthy New Yorkers are spending exorbitant fees for concierge medical care that goes above and beyond annual check-ups. Apparently, more and more posh clients will pay to be seen at anytime, and for personalized medical attention and advice via email and phone after hours.
“I’m 70% doctor, 15% psychologist, 10% rabbi, 4% hairdresser and 1% friend,” Dr. Jordan Shlain told NYNext. His team is on call close to 24/7, with clients able to reach them almost anytime via email, text or phone. In 2002, Shlain founded Private Medical, an on-call physician service. The company now has branches in NYC, Miami, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. None of their offices accept insurance.
Shlain’s company is one of the most high-profile of a growing industry of elite providers. Other company’s providing similar services include Atria and Sollis—both of which really only on word of mouth and have no need to even advertise. On average, clients pay roughly $30,000 for the privilege of having a doctor always on call. Prices vary depending on age, location and the number of patients in a practice, per the Post. Atria Health and Research Institute, which has locations in NYC and Palm Beach and is planning to open seasonally in Aspen and the Hamptons, charges a onetime $100,000 initiation fee plus $60,000 for annual membership, with younger members getting a discount on the rate.
Concierge doctors can score appointments with sought-after surgeons and specialists, skipping the months-long wait, and meet you at a hospital in the event of an emergency. Some also offer worldwide medical evacuation jet services, for those who travel abroad. Concierge doctors can also vet the latest wellness trends to see if the hype is worthwhile. Shlain told the Post he tested the contents of NAD+ — a supplement claiming to slow aging by revitalizing cells, which was popularized by celebrities including the Kardashians and Hailey Bieber. Shlain’s assessment found that the product contained MDMA and herbicide, leaving his client glad she hadn’t tried it.
Official data on the industry is limited, but according to estimates, the concierge medicine business has grown into a $7.47 billion market this year and is slated to nearly double to $13.5 billion by 2030, as per a report from Research and Markets. Per the Post, there are currently an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 concierge doctors across the country. Smaller providers, including Elitra, MD² Park Avenue and Health Center Hudson Yards, have also entered the New York market aiming to tap into the lucrative market.
Even major hospital networks, such as Mount Sinai and Weill Cornell Medicine are starting to offer subscription services with personalized amenities like at-home visits and on-demand appointments.
While critics are concerned that concierge medicine will fan the gap in healthcare between the upper and lower classes, some argue that the services can become more affordable and could become mainstream for all patients. “You can’t build a model out of thin air,” said Shlain. “First, we create the ideal healthcare experience—then, we figure out how to make it accessible at a lower cost.” He said the field could attract more doctors to general practice which would eventually lead to more affordable concierge medicine across the country.
