An MDVIP doctor is a primary care physician who affiliates with the MDVIP network, transitioning their practice to a membership-based, or concierge, model of care. This approach focuses on providing highly personalized, preventive medicine built around an enhanced doctor-patient relationship. Patients pay an annual fee in exchange for comprehensive services and greater access to their doctor, shifting the focus from reactive disease management to proactive wellness. MDVIP stands for “MD Value in Prevention,” reflecting its mission to deliver a proactive experience beyond standard primary care.
The Concierge Model Structure
The fundamental difference between an MDVIP practice and a traditional one lies in the significant reduction of the patient panel size. MDVIP-affiliated physicians typically limit their patient base to around 600 members, which is a dramatic decrease compared to the 2,000 or more patients often managed in a conventional primary care setting. This smaller ratio is the structural element that makes the enhanced care model possible. The reduced patient load allows the physician to dedicate more time and attention to each individual’s health needs. By seeing only eight to ten patients per day, MDVIP doctors can offer unhurried, longer appointments, fostering a more meaningful and comprehensive physician-patient relationship.
Enhanced Preventive Services
The core offering of the MDVIP membership is the personalized wellness program, which includes a comprehensive annual physical that extends far beyond a typical yearly exam. This in-depth evaluation features advanced diagnostic testing and screenings not ordinarily covered by standard health insurance plans. These advanced screenings may include detailed assessments of heart health, diabetes risk, brain function, bone density, and emotional well-being. Following the extensive testing, the physician reviews the results in detail with the patient to create a personalized health plan designed to optimize the patient’s health goals.
Increased Access and Convenience
Patients benefit from significantly increased access and convenience. This includes the guarantee of same-day or next-day appointments for urgent concerns and minimal office wait times. MDVIP-affiliated doctors also offer reliable after-hours availability for urgent issues, providing a higher level of support than traditional primary care settings.
Navigating Membership Fees and Insurance
The financial structure of an MDVIP practice involves a dual payment system: an annual membership fee paid directly by the patient and the continued use of traditional health insurance for standard medical services. The annual membership fee, which often averages between $200 and $400 per month, is an out-of-pocket expense that is not typically reimbursed by Medicare or commercial insurance. This fee is specifically for the non-covered services, such as the comprehensive Annual Wellness Program, advanced diagnostic tests, extended consultation time, and enhanced access benefits.
For routine medical care, such as sick visits, follow-up appointments, specialist referrals, and hospital services, the practice operates like a traditional primary care office. The MDVIP doctor bills the patient’s existing health insurance—whether it is a PPO, an HMO, or Medicare—and the patient remains responsible for any applicable co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles as determined by their specific policy. The membership fee and the insurance payments are strictly separate, meaning the annual fee is an additional investment in preventive care and access, not a replacement for health insurance. While the fee is not covered by insurance, it may be eligible for reimbursement through a patient’s Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) after receiving the annual wellness services.
Finding and Enrolling in an MDVIP Practice
The process for joining an MDVIP practice begins by using the network’s online search tool to locate an affiliated physician in a desired geographic area. Prospective patients can review doctor profiles and then schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet consultation with the physician. This initial meeting allows the individual to ask specific questions, discuss health goals, and determine if the practice model is the right fit. Once a decision is made, enrollment is completed through a simple process, either online or by phone. Since MDVIP doctors maintain a significantly reduced patient panel size, enrollment availability may be limited, often requiring a patient to join a waitlist if the practice is full.