Special Report: VIP Medical Care
el pasoans are opting to pay even more for exclusive care from their doctors. abc-seven’s stephanie valle explains in this special report — only on abc-7: the “concierge care” concept h been growing in popularity. a program in el paso is called “m vip.” according to the website — “mdvip is a personalize healthcare program that empowers people to reach their health and wellness goals … through in-depth knowledge, expertise and one-on-one coaching with some of the finest primary care doctors in america.” a bloomberg business article published in 2012 — says the service began in 2001. an md-vip representative told abc-seven — it’s been in el paso since 2010 — with three doctors now affiliated. a viewer sent abc- seven a letter from doctor g.e. martin — who said he is going to be affiliated with md vip come october. martin said in the letter “it i important now more than ever to have a physician partner who can put you and your health care first. mdvip will help protect our doctor-patient relationship and allow me to continue providing you with the personal, proactive care and service you deserve.” near the bottom of the letter, martin explains that, to provide this care, he will be significantly reducing the size of near the bottom of the letter, martin explains that, to provide this care, he will be significantly reducing the size of his practice — and charging an annual fee for the wellness program. the mdvip website states that memberships average about $1,800 per year. steph: “when i spoke wit el paso’s mdvip representative based out of florida — i told her i’d like to speak with dr. arianna bender — or any of the el paso doctors — about why they transitioned to the program. “however, th representative emailed me saying the doctors are not available at this time to be interviewed.” pbs new hour profiled md vip in 2012. “our doctors are primary care doctors and doctors who have really become frustrated with what has become conveyer belt medicine. they’re seeing 30, 35 patients a day. they’re spending less and less time with their patients.” md vip limits practice size to 600 patients. a perk for this doctor, based in katy, texas. dr. ramon solis: with the reduced number of patients that i can see, i am able to return those calls and those labs in a shorter period of time than the typical doctor. the concept didn’t go over well with a few el pasoans i spoke with. 3.33 “i think any good primary care physician should do that stuff no matter what. 3.39 you shouldn’t have to pay the extra $1,800.” 2.34 in capitalistic society it’s discrimination through economic means. 2.39 but with medical costs rising every year, hundreds of el pasoans believe the benefits are worth the price. sv, abc- seven. m-d-v-i-p perks include 24/7 telephone access, expedited specialist referrals and access to other md-vip physicians when clients travel. md-vip got back in touch with us after stephanie’s story was completed. we anticipate following up this report with a more in-depth look at the program, and an interview with an md-vip doctor, in the near
