Why more physicians will choose concierge medicine in 2026

In 2026, the pressures facing physicians will be impossible to ignore. Burnout remains stubbornly high. Administrative burdens continue to grow. Reimbursement models still reward volume over outcomes. And patients are demanding something the traditional system struggles to deliver: time, availability, and continuity. Against that backdrop, concierge is no longer a fringe concept but increasingly viewed as a viable, mainstream alternative.

In a recent episode of “Off the Chart: A Business of Medicine Podcast,” Medical Economics Content Vice President Chris Mazzolini sat down with Greg Grant, chief operating officer of Specialdocs Consultants, to explore the vibrant growth and future of membership-based care. The following transcript was edited for style, length and clarity.

Why do you believe 2026 will be a pivotal year for concierge medicine?

We’re at a moment where the disconnect between how doctors want to practice medicine and how medicine is reimbursed has become impossible to reconcile. The relentless fee-for-service treadmill is fundamentally broken. Physicians are asked to see more patients in less time, manage more administrative work, and still somehow deliver high-quality, personalized care.

What we’re seeing is that doctors have reached a breaking point. Many are saying, “This is not why I went into medicine.” They want unrushed visits, the opportunity to practice proactively, and to deliver the best possible care for patients. At the same time, patients are equally frustrated by waiting weeks or months for appointments, navigating fragmented systems, and rarely feeling known or heard by their physicians.

How much of this shift is being driven by economic pressures such as inflation, staffing shortages and payer behavior?

A tremendous amount. For physicians, the economic picture is sobering. Overhead costs continue to rise, staffing is harder to find and retain, and reimbursement from payers is increasingly difficult to collect. At the same time, doctors are spending nearly twice as much time on administrative work as they are on patient care. That’s not sustainable.

What membership-based models do is create predictability and sustainability. They allow physicians to step off the volume hamster wheel and align their economics with how they actually want to deliver care. From 2018 to 2023, concierge and direct primary care models grew by more than 80%, and it’s not slowing down, with 10% annual growth projected over the next decade. Those numbers reflect real dissatisfaction and real demand on both sides of the exam room.

What types of physicians are showing the most interest in concierge medicine right now?

Primary care and internal medicine remain the foundation, but the growth we’re seeing in certain specialties is striking. Cardiology has expanded rapidly, largely driven by an aging population seeking consistent physician availability and close monitoring. Endocrinology is another major area of growth, centered on chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and thyroid disease, where frequent touchpoints and medication management are essential.

We’re also seeing strong growth in geriatrics, given the complexity of care coordination for older patients with multiple conditions. On the other end of the age spectrum, pediatrics and obstetrics are also succeeding in the concierge space. More recently, pediatrics, OB-GYN are entering the concierge space. Across specialties, the common thread is longitudinal, relationship-based care for complex patients who need time, continuity, and advocacy.

Another important trend is multispecialty concierge practices. Instead of operating in silos, some practices are combining internal medicine with cardiology or endocrinology under a single membership.

Patients’ willingness to pay is often cited as a concern by physicians considering a change to the concierge model. Is that changing?

It already has. Patients are far more comfortable with membership models than they were even a decade ago. Subscriptions for other services are part of daily life now, and paying a predictable fee for readily available, personalized medical care no longer feels radical. Patients understand the distinction between insurance for catastrophic events and ongoing care for prevention and chronic disease management. The burgeoning interest in longevity medicine is also contributing to the growth of concierge practices, where optimizing wellness throughout the lifespan has always been emphasized.

What really resonates with patients is time. They’re seeking a physician who will be available after hours for urgent issues, and help them avoid trips to crowded emergency rooms. They’re looking for a knowledgeable, compassionate advocate who will navigate the health system with them, coordinate their care, and help them make informed decisions. And they want unrushed appointments with time for proactive planning. The difference is felt, and appreciated, almost immediately.

What does a modern concierge practice actually look like?

At its core, it’s built around time and coordination. Panel sizes typically range from 300 to 600 patients, compared with 2,500 or more in traditional practices; annual fees range from $2,000 to $3,000, depending on the market and services offered. There’s pre-visit planning, longer appointments, frequent communication, and continual follow-up. Concierge physicians also collaborate with specialists on behalf of patients, which is rarely reimbursed in the traditional system but deeply valued by patients. Many practices offer in-office labs, secure messaging, and virtual visits to supplement in-person care.

Health systems are consolidating rapidly. How does concierge medicine fit into that environment?

It’s complicated, but increasingly relevant. Some health systems recognize that offering membership-based options helps retain experienced physicians and preserve referral streams. Others are more restrictive, which can create tension when doctors want to transition. We’re seeing several models emerge. Some physicians leave and establish independent practices while maintaining referral relationships. Others build concierge programs within health systems, with reduced panel sizes and operational support. When designed thoughtfully, these models can complement rather than cannibalize existing systems. Our work centers on helping systems define what concierge care is within their organization: clarifying services, staffing, and workflows so physicians can focus on delivering a better patient experience.

You often describe concierge medicine as the intersection of hospitality and healthcare. Why is that?

Hospitality is about how people feel, not just what they receive. In traditional healthcare, the experience is often accidental. In concierge medicine, it’s intentional. That's what really drew me to Specialdocs and this industry. When you visit a concierge doctor, you feel listened to, seen, well taken care of, even delighted. These are things emphasized in hospitality settings, but not often in health care because they seem so disconnected. Concierge practices create a welcoming environment of service with minimal waiting, clear communication and timely lab and test results. But they go above and beyond with touch points not possible in a traditional practice – sending thank you notes and holiday greetings, and initiating thoughtful conversations about your family, your pet, or a wedding you’re struggling to attend because of your cancer treatment. They’re walking the road with you, and that means everything.

What are the most common misconceptions physicians have about concierge medicine?

The biggest one is that it’s an instant financial windfall. Building a sustainable practice doesn’t happen overnight, but takes time, planning, and realistic expectations. Another misconception is that concierge medicine only works in wealthy urban markets. Yet we have helped launch thriving practices in suburban, rural, and small-town settings because the demand for personal, quality care is universal. There is also the perception that concierge doctors are always on call. However, when expectations are clearly defined, patients respect boundaries more than you might expect, and most concierge physicians report a vastly improved work-life balance. Finally, there’s a belief that concierge medicine requires abandoning insurance entirely. Most of our physician clients bill insurance for covered services while using membership fees for enhanced care.

For physicians who are curious but hesitant, what’s most important to consider?

First, be assured that concierge medicine is already mainstream. Health systems are exploring it. Patients are asking for it. And demographic trends, especially the growth of the over-55 population, will continue to drive demand. Second, think about your own career longevity and realize that a change to the concierge model isn’t about abandoning medicine. It’s about preserving it in a way that’s clinically and personally sustainable.Third, partner with experts who share your values. Our mission at Specialdocs has remained the same since we started over 20 years ago: providing support and guidance to help physicians build the practice of their dreams, according to their personal vision.

What excites you most about where this model is headed?

The fact that there’s a viable path forward for physicians who feel trapped. The concierge model isn’t a cure-all, but it’s thrilling to help so many doctors rediscover why they went into medicine in the first place.

For more information, visit specialdocs.com or scan the QR code.

Listen to the full episode of Off the Chart: A Business of Medicine Podcast, featuring Greg Grant, below.