What is a concierge practice?

Concierge medicine started in 1996 in Seattle. It has gradually moved across the country and is now available in St. Louis. Concierge medical practices charge an annual fee to join their practice. For that annual fee, patients receive more personalized attention and service since their physician has a smaller practice. The average physician cares for 3000-5000 patients and spends seven minutes with each patient. Dr. Laffey’s practice is capped at 300 and she spends an average of an hour with each patient.