What does that word even mean??

I thought a lot about the best way to describe my new practice – it is technically a concierge-style, direct primary care practice. But I find these words can be confusing for patients & even other docs. Although I aim to provide concierge-level access and care, my practice is different from a traditional concierge practice in that I do not bill your insurance ON TOP of my membership fee and I do not require any long-term commitment.

The phrase I felt best captured the essence of Juniper was “a boutique, membership-based practice.”

“Boutique” meaning it is 1) small (just me right now!) and 2) designed to serve a specific community (busy women). Similar to a boutique gym or fitness studio.

“Membership-based” meaning we don’t charge by the hour/issue (as they do in insurance-based fee-for-service) and services are exclusively available to members. I’ve chosen not to offer one-off services to non-members because the goal is to build a real relationship and long term wellness. It also fosters a sense of  community among members which is important to me.

I heard Dr. Pamela Mehta use the phrase “big box medicine” on a podcast recently and I thought that was a PERFECT description for big, corporatized health care systems.

Would you trust the equivalent of Walmart with your health?