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Concierge care not an access problem according to GAO

Physician Practice Advisor, August 17, 2005

Concierge care-the practice of charging patients a fee for enhanced services-has not negatively impacted the ability of Medicare beneficiaries to access care, according to a report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The GAO report focused on whether the concierge programs violated Medicare requirements or resulted in less patient access to physician services. It determined that such programs can meet Medicare requirements. Further, the report said that "the small number of concierge physicians makes it unlikely that the approach has contributed to widespread access problems."

Concierge care proponents say that the programs allow physicians to regain control of their practices. Critics argue that the programs limit care to the few patients who can afford fees.

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