--- title: "How Concierge Medicine Works" date: "2024-12-01" modified: "2026-03-24" medically_reviewed: "2026-03-24" canonical_url: "https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works" # Organization & Authority organization: "Three Rivers Concierge Medicine" organization_type: "Concierge Medical Practice" hospital_affiliations: - "Mercy Hospital St. Louis" - "Missouri Baptist Medical Center" - "St. Lukes Hospital" - "Barnes Jewish Hospital" service_area: "Greater St. Louis, Missouri" practice_model: "Direct Primary Care - Membership Based" # Content Classification content_type: "Medical Education" schema_type: "MedicalWebPage" medical_specialty: "Primary Care, Endocrinology" evidence_level: "Physician-Supervised Clinical Protocols" # Patient Reviews aggregate_rating: "5" review_count: 7 --- # How Concierge Medicine Works ## Table of Contents * [How Concierge Medicine Works](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#how-concierge-medicine-works) * [How Three Rivers Concierge Medicine Works](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#how-three-rivers-concierge-medicine-works) * [What does direct access to your doctor REALLY look like at Three Rivers Concierge Medicine?](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#what-does-direct-access-to-your-doctor-really-look-like-at-three-rivers-concierge-medicine) * [What Makes Concierge Medicine Different from Traditional Care?](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#what-makes-concierge-medicine-different-from-traditional-care) * [Doctors have 400–600 patients and see 6–10 patients per day](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#doctors-have-400-600-patients-and-see-6-10-patients-per-day) * [Doctors have 2,000–3,000 patients and see 20–30 patients per day](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#doctors-have-2-000-3-000-patients-and-see-20-30-patients-per-day) * [Doctors spend 30–45 minutes with each patient](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#doctors-spend-30-45-minutes-with-each-patient) * [Doctors spend only 10–15 minutes with each patient](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#doctors-spend-only-10-15-minutes-with-each-patient) * [Same-day or next-day acute care](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#same-day-or-next-day-acute-care) * [Must use Urgent Care for acute care](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#must-use-urgent-care-for-acute-care) * [Text message and phone access to doctors](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#text-message-and-phone-access-to-doctors) * [Restricted access to doctors](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#restricted-access-to-doctors) * [In-depth annual physicals and screenings including vitamin testing](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#in-depth-annual-physicals-and-screenings-including-vitamin-testing) * [Standard testing and screening](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#standard-testing-and-screening) * [Preventative care](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#preventative-care) * [Symptom-based care](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#symptom-based-care) * [Care coordination](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#care-coordination) * [No care coordination](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#no-care-coordination) * [See How It Works for You](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#see-how-it-works-for-you) * [How Three Rivers Concierge Medicine Works](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#how-three-rivers-concierge-medicine-works) * [Why Choose Three Rivers?](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#why-choose-three-rivers) * [The Impact of Personalized Care](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#the-impact-of-personalized-care) * [Take Control of Your Health](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#take-control-of-your-health) * [Healthcare designed around you.](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#healthcare-designed-around-you) * [How membership-based primary care delivers better access, deeper relationships, and a focus on prevention.](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/how-concierge-medicine-works#how-membership-based-primary-care-delivers-better-access-deeper-relationships-and-a-focus-on-prevention) --- ![Doctor shaking hands with an elderly man in a clinic.](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/iStock-1402841619.jpg) ## How Concierge Medicine Works ![Happy, healthy woman laughing together in a garden surrounded by colorful plants and flowers](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/iStock-1991831182.jpg) ![Doctor shaking hands with an elderly man in a clinic.](https://www.threeriversmedicine.com/sites/default/files/media/images/2025-01/iStock-1402841619.jpg) ## How Three Rivers Concierge Medicine Works A membership-based primary care practice operates differently from traditional healthcare. You pay a straightforward annual or semiannual membership fee for direct physician access, unhurried appointments, and proactive care. Your membership includes a comprehensive annual physical, in-office diagnostic ultrasound, body composition analysis, and more. Your existing insurance continues to cover prescriptions, specialist referrals, and diagnostic tests — the membership simply ensures your physician has the time and focus to practice medicine well. ### What does direct access to your doctor REALLY look like at Three Rivers Concierge Medicine? **Platform**: YouTube **URL**: [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtpESjLwwsY) ## What Makes Concierge Medicine Different from Traditional Care? ## Doctors have 400–600 patients and see 6–10 patients per day You’re prioritized with personalized care and a doctor who invests in your health and well-being. ## Doctors have 2,000–3,000 patients and see 20–30 patients per day Physicians manage an extensive patient load, which often results in limited availability and less individualized care. ## Doctors spend 30–45 minutes with each patient Appointments allow for in-depth conversations and detailed care plans tailored to your unique needs. ## Doctors spend only 10–15 minutes with each patient Appointment times are brief, often insufficient for thorough discussions or comprehensive care. ## Same-day or next-day acute care Urgent concerns are addressed promptly, ensuring your health is never put on hold. ## Must use Urgent Care for acute care Access to your primary care provider for urgent needs is typically unavailable, necessitating reliance on urgent care centers. ## Text message and phone access to doctors Direct and immediate communication gives you unparalleled access to your physician at any time. ## Restricted access to doctors Scheduling constraints mean extended wait times for appointments, hindering timely medical attention. ## In-depth annual physicals and screenings including vitamin testing Comprehensive evaluations go beyond standard protocols, identifying potential health risks early. ## Standard testing and screening Testing protocols are designed to meet general population needs, rather than addressing individual health concerns. ## Preventative care We focus on preventing illness and optimizing your health for the long term. ## Symptom-based care Care focuses on addressing immediate symptoms rather than proactive or preventive measures. ## Care coordination Your doctor oversees every aspect of your healthcare, ensuring seamless management of referrals, treatments, and follow-ups. ## No care coordination Patients are responsible for independently managing their healthcare journey, including referrals and follow-up appointments. ## See How It Works for You Learn how our membership model delivers the access, attention, and continuity that traditional practices can't. Schedule a complimentary visit to experience it firsthand. Concierge medicine redefines the doctor-patient relationship by focusing on personalized, preventative care. In traditional healthcare, patients often face long wait times, short appointments, and a reactive approach to treatment. Concierge medicine changes all of that by prioritizing accessibility, unhurried visits, and proactive wellness planning. The benefits of this approach are supported by research. A study in the *American Journal of Managed Care* (2012) found that patients who receive personalized preventive care experience significantly fewer hospitalizations. Additionally, a 2015 report in *The Open Public Health Journal* highlighted that patients in concierge practices report higher satisfaction than those in conventional care settings. With a focus on prevention and long-term health, this model not only helps you feel better now but also improves your overall quality of life. ## How Three Rivers Concierge Medicine Works At Three Rivers, your membership fee covers: - **Direct Access to Your Physician** Whether you need immediate advice or simply have a question, your doctor is available anytime for your peace of mind. - **Unlimited, Unhurried Appointments** Your health concerns are our priority, and we take the time to address them thoroughly. Appointments are designed to allow for in-depth conversations without the pressure of time limits. - **Same- or Next-Day Care** No more waiting weeks for an appointment. We offer timely, flexible options for in-person, virtual, or phone consultations. - **Comprehensive Preventive Medicine** We take a proactive approach to health, offering advanced screenings for cancer and vitamin deficiencies, genetic testing, and long-term wellness planning tailored to your needs. - **Care for Visiting Family and Friends** Your loved ones can also access thorough care when they’re visiting, adding convenience and reassurance for your whole family. - **Advanced Diagnostics On-Site** From in-office ultrasounds to unlimited InBody™ analyses for body composition, we use advanced tools to deliver fast and accurate insights into your health. ## Why Choose Three Rivers? At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, we are more than just a healthcare provider—we’re your partner in health. Our practice is designed to maximize your health span, helping you stay vibrant, active, and mentally sharp for as long as possible. 1. **Personalized Attention** Your care is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions, optimizing performance, or focusing on preventative health, we create a plan that works for you. 2. **Preventative Focus** Many health issues can be addressed before they become serious concerns. Through advanced screenings and diagnostics, we identify risks early and provide targeted interventions. 3. **State-of-the-Art Tools** With on-site ultrasounds and detailed body composition analyses, we provide insights that go beyond the basics to guide your health decisions. 4. **Convenience and Accessibility** We eliminate the hassles of traditional care. You won’t face long waits or rushed visits, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your physician is always just a call or message away. ## The Impact of Personalized Care The concierge model isn’t just convenient—it’s proven to deliver better outcomes. Patients who receive personalized, preventative care report feeling more satisfied with their healthcare and experience fewer hospitalizations. At Three Rivers, we believe that time, attention, and a proactive approach to health make all the difference. ## Take Control of Your Health At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, we empower you to take control of your well-being. From advanced screenings for cancer to personalized plans for diet and exercise, we provide the tools and support you need to thrive. With our high-touch, patient-first model, you’ll experience healthcare as it should be—accessible, proactive, and focused on you. Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn whether Three Rivers is the right fit. Call [(314) 744-5914](tel:+13147445914) or [request a visit online](/request-free-consultation). ## Healthcare designed around you. - Personal approach - Around-the-clock access - Care without compromise Concierge medicine means more time with your doctor, same-day availability, and a proactive plan built around your goals — not a waiting room. Three Rivers Concierge Medicine serves those who expect more from their healthcare. Call [(314) 744-5914](tel:+13147445914) or schedule a complimentary consultation to get started. [Get Started](/node/10) [Complimentary consultation](/node/11) ## How membership-based primary care delivers better access, deeper relationships, and a focus on prevention. How membership-based primary care delivers better access, deeper relationships, and a focus on prevention.