Healthcare is changing—and for good reason.
In a recent WXYZ Detroit interview, our founder and CEO, Dr. Blanchard, shared how concierge medicine is helping people break free from the traditional model of long wait times, rushed visits, and impersonal care. As one of the pioneers of concierge medicine in the country, Dr. Blanchard has spent over 20 years showing that healthcare can be better—more accessible, more thoughtful, and more focused on people.
What Is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge medicine is a membership-based healthcare model where patients pay a flat monthly or annual fee in exchange for direct access to their physician, longer visits, and personalized, proactive care. But more than anything, it’s a return to the kind of care people used to have—a trusted relationship with a doctor who knows them well.
Unlike traditional primary care, concierge physicians are not forced to rush through a packed schedule of 2,500 patients. Instead, they deliberately limit their panel sizes—typically to around 400–600 patients—to ensure they have time to listen, understand, and truly partner with each individual. At Premier Private Physicians, we take that even further by limiting our panel sizes to just 300 patients per doctor.
Real Relationships. Real Care.
One of the most powerful aspects of concierge medicine is the depth of the physician-patient relationship. In a traditional system, doctors are often forced to spend just a few minutes with each patient before moving on to the next. Concierge physicians, by contrast, spend 30 to 60 minutes per visit—enough time to go beyond surface-level symptoms and get to the root of health issues.
Because they have the time and flexibility, concierge doctors don’t default to referring patients out to specialists right away. They try to treat people first—using their knowledge, tools, and insight to guide care directly. When a referral is necessary, it’s done thoughtfully, and often with direct coordination.
This is healthcare that feels human again.
Why It Works: No Insurance, No Interference
One of the biggest differences between concierge medicine and the traditional model is what’s missing: insurance billing. Concierge practices don’t bill insurance, which eliminates the administrative burden that dominates most doctors’ days. In a traditional clinic, physicians spend more than half their time on paperwork, coding, and documentation just to satisfy insurance requirements. That means less time with patients—and more frustration on both sides.
Without that burden, concierge doctors can focus entirely on what matters: caring for people.
Concierge Medicine vs Traditional Care
Here’s how concierge medicine compares to the system most people are used to:
| Feature | Traditional Primary Care | Concierge Medicine |
| Panel Size | 2,000–3,000 patients per doctor | 300–600 patients per doctor |
| Appointment Length | 7–15 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Wait Time for Appointment | Days to weeks | Same-day or next-day availability |
| Wait Time in Office | Often 15+ minutes | Typically under 5 minutes |
| Communication | Through front desk or patient portal | Direct phone and text access |
| Insurance Billing | Required | Not billed |
| Time Spent with Patients | Often <50% of physician’s day | Majority of physician’s time |
| Specialist Referrals | Frequent due to time constraints | Thoughtful, only when necessary |
| Doctor-Patient Relationship | Transactional | Relational and continuous |
Concierge medicine isn’t just a different model—it’s a better experience. It’s a healthcare relationship built on time, trust, and access. And for more and more people, it’s the kind of care they didn’t realize they were missing—until they experienced it.
Watch Dr. Blanchard’s full interview here. Want to learn more about how concierge medicine works or whether it’s right for you?
