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Jonathan*, 52, is the manager of a grocery store. His job is to make sure the shelves are stocked so customers can easily find what they want.
“I make sure the facility functions smoothly and that the building is properly maintained,” Jonathan adds.
For several years, Michael A. Zimmer, MD, has been Jonathan’s primary care physician. Jonathan’s mother recommended Dr. Zimmer after working for him as a nurse.
Several years ago, when Dr. Zimmer moved into concierge medicine, Jonathan transitioned with him.
“The personal care is what I like most about concierge medicine,” Jonathan states. “Dr. Zimmer really takes care of his patients and makes things happen. He took good care of me when I suffered nerve problems in my neck. He got me in to see the right specialists very quickly, and he made the process easy.”
Under the traditional model of care, internists often see 25 to 30 patients a day, giving them little time together during a scheduled appointment. That isn’t enough time to thoroughly examine a patient and talk about their symptoms and health needs, Dr. Zimmer observes.
“When you have that many people to care for, you have little time to discuss the details related to their care,” the internist points out. “Internal medicine physicians nationwide typically have 15-minute blocks to follow up with patients. It is very difficult to do a comprehensive evaluation of all the patients’ complex issues.”
The concierge model, on the other hand, is based on a limited patient membership.
“With fewer patients, doctors can provide each patient with longer visits to address all of their health issues and answer all the questions they have regarding their care,” the doctor elaborates.
“Physicians make themselves available to members not only through extended office visits, but also by email, texts, telephone and telehealth. They are also available after hours at night and on weekends and see patients according to their medical needs.”
Jonathan emphasizes that Dr. Zimmer’s patient time is as much quality as quantity.
“One thing that impresses me most about Dr. Zimmer is his incredible attention to detail,” Jonathan says. “And he follows up and makes sure his patients are doing OK. It makes me feel like I’m being well taken care of, and that’s a nice feeling to get from a doctor.
“The results of the treatment on my neck were great. I feel much better. Dr. Zimmer made the right decisions for me. I trust him with my health and my life.
“That’s why I’ve stayed with him all these years. and why I even recommended Dr. Zimmer to my father. That’s how highly I think of him.”
*Patient’s name changed at his request.
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