Safeguarding geriatric health in Arizona: Concierge medicine’s role in addressing primary care

Kelly Schultz, DNP, AGNP-C

Submitted photo

For geriatric patients, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions, this model can be life-changing. It not only ensures timely access to care but also provides peace of mind for patients and their families, knowing that their health care needs are prioritized.”

In today’s health care landscape, geriatric primary care faces significant challenges.

Aging populations require more complex, personalized care, yet the current system often struggles to meet these demands. Delayed appointments, overwhelmed providers and limited access to urgent care can jeopardize the health of older adults, who need timely and attentive medical attention.

Concierge membership models offer a promising solution to these challenges. By providing patients with enhanced access to their providers, these models prioritize proactive, preventative care, ensuring that patients receive the attention they need when they need it. For geriatric patients, this can mean avoiding the risks associated with delayed care, such as worsening chronic conditions or preventable hospitalizations.

Key advantages

One of the key advantages of concierge medicine is the ability to expedite appointments. Patients enrolled in these programs often benefit from same-day or next-day visits, reducing the stress and uncertainty of waiting for care. Additionally, the model fosters a stronger provider-patient relationship, as concierge providers typically manage smaller patient panels, allowing for more personalized and thorough care.

For geriatric patients, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions, this model can be life-changing. It not only ensures timely access to care but also provides peace of mind for patients and their families, knowing that their health care needs are prioritized.

In an era where urgent care centers are often overwhelmed, concierge medicine offers a reliable alternative that safeguards patient health and well-being.

As Arizonans navigate the complexities of modern health care, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches that address the unique needs of our aging population.

Concierge membership models represent a step forward in ensuring that geriatric patients receive the high-quality, timely care they deserve, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life.

Editor’s note: Kelly Schultz, DNP, AGNP-C is a geriatric nurse practitioner and founder of Nurse Practitioner Consultants in Phoenix. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.