Choosing a concierge doctor in St. Louis
Concierge practices can look alike from the outside. The differences are in who you see, how you reach them and what's included. Here's how Three Rivers compares, and the questions worth asking anywhere you look.
Independent St. Louis practice · Board-certified internist · Accepting new members
How Three Rivers compares
| National concierge networks (typical) | Direct primary care (typical) | Three Rivers Concierge Medicine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who runs the practice | A local doctor within a national company's program | Varies | An independent St. Louis practice |
| Your doctor | A physician in the network | A physician or nurse practitioner, often with a larger patient list | Dr. Kate Shoemaker, board-certified internist, with a limited number of patients |
| Reaching your doctor | Varies by physician | Messaging; varies | Call or text Dr. Shoemaker directly, including after hours for urgent needs |
| Blood draws | Varies; often an outside lab | Often an outside lab | In our office, by our own phlebotomist |
| In the office | Annual wellness program | Basic visits | EKG, ultrasound and an executive physical |
| Insurance | Usually still needed | Many practices don't bill insurance | Still needed for lab processing, imaging, prescriptions and specialists |
Questions to ask before you join
- Will I see the same physician every time? Is that physician board-certified?
- How do I reach the doctor: a call center, a portal, or the doctor's own phone?
- How fast can I be seen when I'm sick?
- Are blood draws done in the office, or do I go to an outside lab?
- What testing happens in the office?
- What does the membership fee include, and what still goes through insurance?
- Is the membership annual or monthly, and how is it billed?
- Can I meet the doctor before I join?
Our answers
- The same physician, every visit: Dr. Shoemaker, board-certified in internal medicine
- Her phone, by call or text
- Same or next day
- Blood draws in our office
- EKG, ultrasound and an executive physical
- $325 a month, billed annually; insurance still covers lab processing, imaging, prescriptions and specialists
- Yes, free
What's included with membership
- Dr. Shoemaker as your own physician, with visits as long as you need (typically 30 to 60 minutes)
- Same-day and next-day appointments
- Call or text Dr. Shoemaker directly, including after hours for urgent needs
- Blood draws in our office
- EKG and ultrasound in the office
- An executive physical
- Coordination with your specialists and hospital care
$325 a month, billed annually. Membership is an annual commitment. We're accepting new members now.
Book your free meet & greet
In person or virtual, with no commitment.
Switching is simple
Switching from another practice
Free meet & greet
Meet Dr. Shoemaker, in person or virtual.
We request your records
From your current doctor, so nothing gets lost.
Your first full visit
With blood drawn in the office and a plan built around you.
Physician spotlight
Meet Dr. Kathryn Shoemaker
Dr. Kate Shoemaker is board-certified in internal medicine. She trained at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and Saint Louis University Hospital, practiced primary care with Mercy and at the John Cochran VA Medical Center, and taught medical residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Three Rivers part of MDVIP or another national network?
No. Three Rivers Concierge Medicine is an independent St. Louis practice led by Dr. Kathryn Shoemaker.
Is Three Rivers part of SignatureMD?
No. Three Rivers Concierge Medicine is independent of SignatureMD. Our membership, fees and policies are set by Dr. Shoemaker's practice, not by a national company.
What's the difference between concierge medicine and direct primary care?
Both charge a membership. Concierge practices like ours keep fewer patients per doctor and include more in the office; many direct primary care practices skip insurance entirely and keep larger patient lists.
How much does membership cost?
$325 a month, billed annually. The membership fee isn't billed to insurance.
Do I still need insurance?
Yes, for lab processing, imaging, prescriptions, specialists and hospital care. You can keep using your HSA or FSA for that care.
Can I meet the doctor before I decide?
Yes. The meet & greet is free, in person or virtual, with no commitment.
Concierge medicine in St. Louis
See the difference for yourself
Meet Dr. Shoemaker before you choose.
Or call (314) 744-5914