MDVIP Lawsuit, The Future of Concierge Medicine?

Many people often forget that medicine itself is a business and there exist other models of private health care other than a typical hospital. The Concierge system consists of combined annual and co-pay fees to ensure higher quality of care in terms of diagnosis and patient-provider interaction. However, this was not the case for the MDVIP company as it was recently sued against by a former patient, claiming her leg was amputated under incorrect diagnosis. The lawsuit is prepared for hearings and the decision is being awaited by many Concierge companies.

The main defense of MDVIP is that they act as brokers between the two parties and therefore hold no place in a malpractice suit, placing the blame purely on the physician. Regardless of MDVIP's stance, it becomes apparent that the court's decision will hold an important precedent in terms of policy making for these companies in terms of their current claims on "superior" health care. It is most likely that claims will be changed and systems revised.

However, one individual from another concierge company seems to disagree claiming from the article, that "'This singular verdict will not have a major long-term effect on the industry,' she said. “The industry has evolved from a fad years ago to one that has gained tremendous respect'” (Galewitz, 2015). Regardless of the current feelings, it becomes apparent that everyone is awaiting a decision by the court. Therefore, we ask you what do you believe that the implications of this decision will be and will they embolden the industry of cause it into decline?

http://kaiserhealthnews.org/news/concierge-medicine-co-found-liable-for-doctors-negligence/