For those willing to pay extra for faster access to care and essentially more of the clinician’s time, concierge models can offer patients enhanced convenience and personal attention beyond the traditional 15-minute primary care office visit. Now concierge medicine programs are springing up on college campuses, according to Axios. Programs are no doubt marketed to nervous parents who worry about their child being away from home and who likewise may be concerned about the quality or efficiency of care clinics on or near campus. One particular college-focused concierge program, which reaches 5 campuses so far, costs $595 per semester for unlimited access to a physician.
One to watch: The report indicates that such concierge programs are not only growing, they’re also courting administrators at colleges and universities to eventually create official partnerships. It’s a trend to watch because on-campus concierge programs could be competitors for established urgent cares.