In Lakeway, Texas, Soma MD is at the forefront of a growing trend in healthcare: concierge medicine. Dr. Monalee Patel-Chheda provides her patients with a direct line for communication, available 24/7, allowing for immediate medical advice without the wait for in-person appointments.
Personalized Care Model
Concierge medicine, as practiced by Dr. Patel-Chheda, offers patients greater flexibility and a broader range of treatment options. Unlike traditional insurance-based practices, Soma MD’s subscription model allows for more time with each patient, enabling a comprehensive discussion of health concerns and the exploration of holistic and lifestyle-based interventions.
“We don’t have as many patients as an insurance-based doctor does,” Dr. Patel-Chheda explained. “I can spend two hours with a patient and discuss all of their concerns, … and we’re not restricted by time.” This approach allows her to identify subtle health nuances that might be overlooked in a rushed appointment.
Subscription-Based Services
Most concierge services, including Soma MD, operate on a subscription basis and do not accept insurance for regular visits. However, insurance can still be used for labs, imaging, and other specialty services. This model provides Dr. Patel-Chheda with the flexibility to tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, free from the constraints of insurance protocols.
Growing Popularity
The popularity of concierge medicine is on the rise, with a reported 83% increase in services nationwide between 2018 and 2023, according to Harvard Medical School. Dr. Patel-Chheda notes that many people in the area seek wellness services and lab work but lack a doctor to interpret the results. This gap is where concierge medicine steps in, offering personalized attention and care that encourages patients to remain with the service.
Soma MD offers a free consultation for those interested in exploring concierge medicine, allowing potential patients to discuss their needs and expectations. “Medicine isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Dr. Patel-Chheda emphasized. “When there is a more personalized approach to medicine, it benefits everyone.”
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
