Here are the common questions doctors ask before transitioning to concierge medicine.

What are the main benefits of concierge medicine?

With Specialdocs handling the burdens of running a traditional practice, our clients find they have more time to spend with their patients—practicing medicine the way they envisioned practicing it in medical school. That means more time to focus on preventive care and wellness, and to address all of a patient’s concerns during each visit. Additionally, while many concierge doctors spend close to as many hours as they did in their traditional practices, they report an overall improved life-work balance and an increased ability to sustain their medical careers over the long-term.

Are there financial benefits for my practice? And if so, what are they?

Through proper assessments, planning and marketing strategies, Specialdocs helps physicians maintain practice sustainability and even increase their practice revenue. Just as important, most of our concierge physicians find that this increased revenue comes with greater satisfaction, and without the overwhelming stress they endured while running a traditional medical practice. In addition, we can also help you lower the costs of doing business by providing programs for insurance and supplies.

How can I be sure that concierge medicine is a good fit for my particular practice?

We care as much as you do about the success of your concierge practice. This is why Specialdocs will conduct a comprehensive and extensive financial, market and operational analysis as well as an on-site evaluation before your office even considers making the transition. Based on your current patients, office space, staff, geography and other key factors, we’ll develop a personalized plan to make sure you know exactly what to expect throughout the transition and beyond. With our expertise, you can weigh the concierge medicine pros and cons for yourself.

How will transitioning to a concierge model impact the care of my patients?

Most patients will appreciate the longer visits and greater attention they receive. They will also enjoy conveniences such as same-day or next day appointments, little to no waiting time, and the additional support in navigating an often-confusing healthcare system.

What will happen once my practice decides to transition?

Specialdocs expertly guides you through the process, providing coaching and individually crafted messages to your patients. These will be specifically tailored to your community. You’ll also be provided a timeline, customized to your needs. We’ll help you open your new concierge practice with a panel of supportive, loyal patients.

Will I retain ownership of my practice?

When you choose Specialdocs as your transition partner, you won’t become part of a franchise. You’ve worked a lifetime to build your practice, and we understand. Our goal is to remain behind the scenes and keep you at the forefront, where you belong. You will remain completely autonomous, in charge of your income, your brand, and the way you practice medicine.

How can I be sure my new practice will reflect my philosophy and values?

Your transition plan and your new concierge medicine practice will be exclusively designed for you. Specialdocs will assess all essential factors and customize the practice to fit your needs.

What are the terms of my contract?

Specialdocs offers one of the industry’s most fair and equitable contracts. When your contract ends, you’re not “bound” to us. Most of our physicians stay with Specialdocs long after their original contract expires—not because they have to, but because they want to.

How much control do I have over my fees and revenues?

To save you time and labor, Specialdocs handles the collection of membership fees for your new practice. Your dedicated billing manager will bill and collect all patient membership fees and deposit these directly into your account for convenience. You will have access to your funds at all times, with complete control over how and when you use them.

Will I receive regulatory guidance?

At Specialdocs, we work with the nation’s leading concierge medicine legal counselors. They’ll provide guidance and ensure compliance with the latest regulations. Our outside healthcare counsel reviews and approves all your transition documents, and then offers continuing updates and legal perspective on relevant practice issues, ranging from Medicare compliance to patient contracts. We will be happy to answer all your FAQs for becoming a concierge doctor.

Who will I talk to when I call your office for assistance?

We strive to provide the same concierge-level care for our physician-clients as they deliver to their patients. When you phone Specialdocs, your call will be answered by a live, dedicated team member—not some automated phone tree at an impersonalized call center. You and your patients will be personally assisted by someone knowledgeable about your practice and ready to answer questions.

What kind of support will I receive to grow my practice?

Our unique marketing offerings help you to not only grow your practice, but also to retain your current patients—even the low utilizers. We provide a personalized quarterly newsletter, patient satisfaction surveys, and an extensive range of growth initiatives that can be tailored to your needs.

I’m not ready to start my own concierge practice, but I would like to join an existing one. How can Specialdocs help?

We have a number of existing practices who are looking for additional doctors, either due to growth or a potential retirement. Specialdocs would be happy to match you with the right practice for your needs.

What is Specialdocs’ track record for success in transitioning practices like mine?

Founded in 2002, Specialdocs is a pioneer in transitioning traditional medical practices. We remain a leader in our field, having successfully transitioned physicians throughout the country.

What you need to know about the transition to concierge medicine.

Now that you’ve made the decision to transition your practice to a concierge model, you probably have some questions regarding how the process works. Here are many of the answers you may need:

Why do I need a consultant, and why should I choose Specialdocs?

You will only get one opportunity to get the transition process right. Specialdocs has the experience and expertise to help you minimize the risk. We’ll start with an in-depth analysis of your practice, and then guide you step-by-step through the entire process. It’s what we’ve done for so many practices nationwide, earning us a highly successful track record with physicians nationwide. When becoming a concierge doctor, the pros and cons can be difficult to sort, which is why our experience could be so valuable.

How can I be sure that Specialdocs will help me achieve my goals, such as working fewer hours, spending more time with my patients, and improving my finances?

Specialdocs Consultants is an industry pioneer in transitioning traditional medical practices to the concierge medicine. We are a leader in our field, having successfully transitioned physicians throughout the country to this independent model. Through our years of experience we have learned the best ways to evaluate practices and markets so that each and every client achieves their respective goals. We are ready to help you understand all the advantages and disadvantages of concierge medicine.

How will transitioning to a concierge model impact the care of my patients?

As part of your new practice, most patients will appreciate the longer visits and greater attention they receive from both you and your staff. They will also enjoy new conveniences, such as same-day or next day appointments, little to no waiting time, and additional support in navigating an often-confusing and complicated healthcare system.

How do I make sure my patients always receive the appropriate care?

If anything, your patients can expect to receive an even higher level of care once your practice has undergone the transition to the Specialdocs’ concierge model. With Specialdocs to manage the day-to-day patient membership and other behind-the-scenes details, you and your staff should find that you have more time to spend taking care of patients. As a result, you will have the time to offer additional preventive and wellness care, over and above what they’ve been able to experience in the past.

Who do I talk to when I call your office for assistance?

We strive to provide the same concierge-level care for our physician-clients as they deliver to their patients. When you phone Specialdocs, your call will be answered by a live, dedicated team member—not some automated phone tree at an impersonalized call center. You, your staff and your patients will be personally assisted by a dedicated professional, knowledgeable about your practice and ready to answer any questions and provide support and guidance.

What kinds of regulatory guidance can I expect?

We work with some of the nation’s experts in concierge medicine and healthcare law. These experts supply guidance in compliance with the latest regulations. Our outside healthcare counsel will review and approve all your transition documents, and then offer continuing updates and legal commentary on relevant practice issues. We’ll make sure you stay current on everything from Medicare compliance, payer issues and patient contracts.

How will things change for my support staff?

Specialdocs will provide training and support for you staff before, during, and after the transition. As the first line for patient questions and concerns, it’s imperative to educate all staff members with proven resources. We’ll make sure they are well-informed and enthusiastic about the positive changes that will be taking place.

Exactly what kind of support can I expect to help me grow my practice?

Continued outreach to new patients is vital to the success of your practice. Our unique marketing offerings will help you not only grow your practice, but also help you retain your current patients—even the low utilizers. We provide a personalized quarterly newsletter, patient satisfaction surveys, reputation management and an extensive range of growth initiatives that can be tailored specifically for your goals and needs.

Do I still retain ownership of my practice?

By choosing Specialdocs as your transition partner, you wisely chose not to become part of a franchise. You’ve worked a lifetime to build your practice, and we understand that. Our goal is to stay behind the scenes and keep you at the forefront, where you belong. You will remain completely autonomous, in charge of your income, your brand, and the way you practice medicine.

I chose a different concierge medical company for my practice’s transition. Can I still make the change to Specialdocs?

Once your current contract comes up for renewal, we’d be happy to assess your individual situation and if appropriate, make you part of the Specialdocs’ family. We look forward to hearing from you at that time.

What happens when I decide to retire? How will you handle succession planning?

Unlike traditional physicians, you have the opportunity to place a value on your practice as you plan for retirement. A professional assessment of your practice is needed to determine a sound exit strategy. When you’re ready, Specialdocs will create a uniquely personalized program to prepare you, while ensuring your patients’ can expect continuity of care. Our expertise will guide you throughout every phase of the process. This will include recruiting and introducing a new physician at the appropriate time.