Medically reviewed by Dr. Rajan Kohli, MD, board-certified Family Medicine – Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, Dallas.
This article is general education, not medical or financial advice. Membership terms and pricing are provided directly by the practice; a consultation determines what fits your needs.
If you’ve ever wished for longer appointments, faster answers, and a direct line to your own doctor, you’ve probably come across “concierge medicine.” Here’s a clear explanation of what it is, how it differs from direct primary care, what it typically includes, and how Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness in Dallas approaches it – as an option, not a requirement.
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is a membership model in which patients pay a periodic fee for enhanced access to their physician – typically longer visits, same-day or next-day scheduling, and direct communication with the doctor. In most concierge practices, the membership fee buys access and service, while medical care itself may still be billed to your insurance or Medicare in the usual way.
It’s often confused with direct primary care (DPC). The simplest distinction: DPC usually replaces insurance billing for primary care with a flat monthly fee that covers a defined set of services; concierge medicine usually adds a membership fee on top of a practice that still bills insurance. Neither model replaces comprehensive health insurance – you still need coverage for specialists, imaging, and hospital care.
How Lakewood approaches concierge care: insurance first, concierge optional
Most patients at Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness use their insurance or Medicare in the normal way, and that will always be welcome here. For patients who want a higher-touch experience, we offer an optional concierge membership layered on top of excellent primary care. It is an upgrade you choose – never a gate you must pass to become a patient. You can be a regular insured or Medicare patient here and never pay a membership fee.
What the Lakewood concierge membership includes
- Same-day or next-day appointments with no waiting
- 24/7 direct communication with Dr. Rajan Kohli by phone, text, or email
- Longer appointment times to address the whole picture, not one problem per visit
- Annual comprehensive wellness exams tailored to your long-term goals
- Priority referrals and specialist coordination when needed
Concierge-style vs. traditional primary care
| Feature | Traditional (insurance-based) | Concierge-style option |
|---|---|---|
| Uses your insurance/Medicare | Yes | Yes, for covered care |
| Membership fee | None | $200/month (optional add-on) |
| Visit length | Standard | Extended |
| Access | Standard scheduling | Enhanced same-day/next-day access |
| Direct physician communication | Through normal channels | More direct |
What does it cost, and how does Medicare fit?
The concierge membership is a flat $200 per month with a six-month minimum term. The fee, the term, and exactly what’s included are provided in writing before you enroll, so you know the full commitment before you pay anything. An important note on Medicare: Medicare does not pay the concierge membership fee, but you can still use your Medicare benefits for covered medical services whether or not you choose the membership. Your visits, labs, imaging, and prescriptions continue to be billed to Medicare or your commercial plan as usual.
Is concierge-style care right for you?
It tends to appeal to people who value time with their physician, want quick access when something comes up, are managing their long-term health proactively, or simply prefer a more personal relationship with their doctor. If that’s not a priority, standard insurance-based care here is excellent and complete on its own.
Concierge-style primary care in Dallas
Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness is a physician-led practice in North Dallas, near Walnut Hill Lane, serving Lakewood, East Dallas, Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands, Uptown, and across DFW. Dr. Rajan Kohli, MD, is board-certified in Family Medicine with more than 20 years of experience and fellowship training in functional, integrative and regenerative medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between concierge medicine and direct primary care?
Concierge medicine usually adds a membership fee for enhanced access while the practice still bills insurance for covered care. Direct primary care usually charges a flat periodic fee that replaces insurance billing for a defined set of primary-care services. Neither replaces full health insurance.
Does concierge medicine replace my health insurance?
No. You still need insurance or Medicare for care outside the membership, such as specialists, imaging, and hospital care. At Lakewood, the concierge membership is an optional add-on to insurance-based care.
Can I use Medicare with a concierge doctor?
Medicare does not pay the membership fee itself, but you can still use your Medicare benefits for covered medical services. We’ll explain how it applies to you.
Do I have to join the membership to be a patient?
No. The vast majority of our patients use insurance or Medicare with no membership. Concierge is purely optional.
How much does the concierge membership cost?
It’s a flat $200 per month with a six-month minimum term. The fee, the term, and exactly what’s included are set out in writing before you enroll. Call 214-810-4331 with any questions.
Is there a minimum commitment?
Yes – the membership runs on a six-month minimum term. After the initial six months you can continue or stop; either way you remain a patient of the practice and your medical care is unaffected.
Want to talk through whether standard or concierge-style care fits you best? Request an appointment online or call 214-810-4331. New patients welcome. Lakewood Primary Care and Wellness, 8210 Walnut Hill Lane, Professional 1, Suite 516, Dallas, TX 75231.
