New Book Explores The Popularity and Challenges of Concierge Medicine

– Concierge Medicine Today announced the release of a new book about the controversial and growing free-market medicine business model called Branding Concierge Medicine. The book is authored by Concierge Medicine Today's Editor-in-Chief.

ATLANTA, GA (I-Newswire) January 18, 2013 - Concierge Medicine Today announced the release of a new book about the controversial and growing free-market medicine business model called Branding Concierge Medicine. The book is authored by Concierge Medicine Today's Editor-in-Chief, Michael Tetreault. In this new book, Tetreault explores the popularity of concierge medicine across the U.S. and examines what is happening inside these medical practices – showing how they are growing and why.

Throughout the past decade and since the emergence of Concierge Medicine in the mid-1990's, Concierge Medicine has often been characterized as a selfishly practiced business model run by financially-focused physicians, who abandon their patients for dollars. Tetreault attacks this myth and explains the emergence and increasing success of this controversial form of medical practice.
“Concierge medicine has always had somewhat of a "brand/identity" problem in the media,” says Tetreault. “In general, the term concierge medicine is used to describe a modern-day relationship with a doctor in which the patient pays a fee for access and cost effective care with their primary care or family physician.” This modern, free-market medical business model, initially thought of by many as healthcare for the rich – is now accessible and quite affordable for couples, seniors on Medicare, young families and individuals with or without healthcare insurance.“Concierge Medicine has a long, relational history with its patients,” says Tetreault. “The likelihood of a patient to stay with the same concierge doctor is averaging seven to nine years versus the traditional insurance-based or managed care doctor who averages only five to seven years' patient retention.”

In the book, Tetreault examines the popularity of Concierge Medicine across the U.S. over the past few years. He presents polling data and research conducted inside these medical practices and describes how this concept is growing in both in the United States and abroad. Tetreault also outlines specific marketing and branding strategies being used, both online and offline, and how concierge medical practices can reinforce and communicate the benefits of their practice to current and prospective patients.