Is Concierge Medicine the Right Choice for Your Health in 2026?

Waiting months for an appointment only to get 15 minutes of time with your doctor has become the norm with today’s health care system. Like so many others, you may want something different: care that feels personal, unhurried, and centered on you. 

As we head into 2026, more people are exploring alternatives to traditional, insurance-driven medical care, such as concierge medicine. This membership style approach offers short wait times, longer appointments, and a more personalized patient experience. It’s a model built on meaningful interactions rather than quick, transactional visits.

At MS Family Medicine Health Care, PC, in Mineola, New York, our family medicine practitioner, Dr. Michele Reed, and our team believe in the power of strong patient-doctor relationships. That’s why we offer concierge medicine as an option for folks who want a more connected, proactive approach to their health. 

Is concierge medicine the right choice for you in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

What is concierge medicine?

Concierge medicine is a membership-based medical service in which you pay your provider directly through a monthly or annual fee rather than relying solely on your insurance. By removing the insurance middleman, your doctor gains back time to spend with you rather than on paperwork, billing cycles, and administrative duties.

This streamlined model allows for:

• Direct access to your doctor
• Longer, more meaningful visits
• A stronger, ongoing patient-provider relationship

It's a practice that puts you first, not the red tape.

Concierge medicine vs. traditional care

Both concierge and traditional practices assess, diagnose, and treat health concerns. The differences lie in the delivery of care.

In the traditional insurance-based medical model, physicians are paid by health insurance companies per visit or service. Because reimbursement rates are low and the paperwork burden is high, many doctors must see four or more patients every hour to keep their practice financially stable.

Concierge medicine works differently. Instead of depending on insurance reimbursement, the practice gets a steady membership fee. This predictable income allows the doctor to care for fewer patients with lower overhead costs.

Because they don’t need to fit in a high volume of patients each hour and each day, your concierge medicine doctor can slow down, focus on you, and provide the thoughtful care rarely possible in a traditional medical clinic.

Key benefits of concierge care

Concierge care creates the time and space for physicians to practice more thorough, patient-centered care. This approach offers many benefits, such as: 

• Personalized and proactive care
• Comprehensive annual wellness exams
• Same-day or next-day appointments
• Direct access to your doctor
• More one-on-one support for chronic diseases

Concierge medicine also offers more flexibility, making it especially valuable for busy professionals, caregivers, and anyone who needs care that fits into a demanding schedule.

Is concierge medicine right for you?

If you’re looking for more high-touch preventive care or need help managing a chronic disease, concierge medicine may work for you.

However, it’s important to consider your insurance situation. While our concierge practice handles many of the services you expect from a traditional primary care provider, you may still need health insurance to cover prescriptions, lab work, or other specialists. 

Ultimately, concierge medicine provides comprehensive, personalized medical care that puts you and your health first. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking greater access, clarity, and connection in the management of their health. 

If you want to learn more about concierge medicine and how it might work for you, call us today or request an appointment online anytime.