For a fee, the doctor will see you now
The number of healthcare providers in Vermont shifting to concierge medicine is growing, offering patients shorter wait times and more personalized care for a monthly fee. However, this trend raises concerns about access to care for those who cannot afford the additional fees.
Vermont healthcare providers are increasingly adopting concierge medicine, charging patients a monthly membership fee for more individualized care. This model allows clinicians to reduce their patient load and provide more attentive care to those who can afford it. The number of clinicians charging such fees grew by nearly 80% between 2018 and 2023 nationwide. Vermont's experience mirrors this trend, with about 20% of HealthFirst practices now operating as concierge or direct primary care practices. The state's primary care provider shortage, currently around 100 doctors, is expected to worsen as providers retire. Critics argue that concierge medicine exacerbates the primary care workforce crisis and access issues, particularly for vulnerable patients who cannot afford the added fees. Provider groups are lobbying for payment reform to create a more equitable system.
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