A new health care program taking place across the country offers its members an annual wellness plan, addressing all patients’ needs from heart, health and nutrition, to fitness.
The progam is called MDVIP. The new concierge medical service will allow doctors to spend more one-on-one time with their patients.
“It’s really great to have that added care,” said Dr. Rachael Roberts, President of the Lafayette Parish Medical Society.”That extra touch they need from their physicians that they can’t have in a busy day-to-day clinic.”
Some local residents are in agreement and say the additional attention from doctors may lead to a faster recovery for patients.
“You’re not going to be just a number to that doctor,” said Daniel Waldron, a student at UL Lafayette. “You’re going to be an individual patient…he’s going to know you. You’re going to feel more comfortable there, you’re going to be able to converse with the doctor more and get to the bottom of your issues.
While some think the program is a great idea, some are worried if they will be able to afford it.
“..going to the doctors in the traditional practices willing to pick up with the concierge positions have to let go of,” said Roberts. “It’s not like you’ll be without a physician, the option yourself of concierge or, like I said, we’re growing practice in general medicine.”
If you are interested in the MDVIP Program, one local physician’s annual fee is $1,650.
“It sounds real beneficial for people who have the money to do it,” said Shikera Mose, a Lafayette resident. “And it is definitely beneficial for the doctors that are able to place more one-on-one care to the people who can afford it.”
“They are pretty much putting it in a bracket,” said Mark Authement, also a Lafayette resident. “Some people are going into a bracket much like everything else is going right now, it’s all for the upper echelon.”
Once local doctor will be downsizing his clientele from 2,000 to no more than 600 patients. If you would like to take part in the MDVIP Program, ask your physician to see if they are taking part.