“Concierge Medicine allows me the time to actually listen and discover root causes, not just treat symptoms.”
– Dr. Shapiro
It’s no secret that the traditional American healthcare system can be frustrating, overwhelming, and time-consuming, like trying to call tech support only to be transferred over and over without getting the answers you need.
These interactions often seem impersonal, short, and filled with impractical or oversimplified solutions. You might come out of them feeling like your well-being or time wasn’t treated like a top priority.
Not only can this feel disheartening, but these weak spots in healthcare can have real impacts on your wellness and your ability to find the proper treatments. When your health is on the line, facing these challenges only adds unnecessary stress and worry.
In these scenarios, certain symptoms can slip under the radar. With so many everyday factors impacting health, like environment, brain health, diet, and more, it’s no surprise that traditional medicine sometimes fails to pinpoint the root cause of your concerns. (1)
Enter Concierge Functional Medicine: A form of healthcare where traditional Internal Medicine integrates Functional Medicine and takes a more individualized approach. With a dedicated medical doctor available 24/7, patients can receive direct care centered around their unique lives and their health whenever they need it.
My team and I consistently apply this personalized approach at TribecaMed to deliver effective care.
If you have struggled to find answers within the confines of the traditional healthcare system or simply would like to learn more about this enriching alternative, we invite you to read on.
Contents
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge Medicine is a groundbreaking personalized healthcare service that offers you access to 24/7 care that goes beyond the scope of a traditional medical practice.
In recent years, there has been a shift in healthcare from “reactively” treating immediate illnesses to focusing on disease prevention, overall wellness, and long-term health. (2)
In our medical practice, Concierge Medicine is a reflection of this change, offering treatment plans that prioritize your personal life, schedule, and unique health profile.
When we hear the phrase “patient-centered,” it often feels like a buzzword being thrown around just to catch your attention. But in practice, what it really means is that your needs and concerns shape your treatments.
This means no more cookie-cutter, ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions, no more unnecessary prescriptions, and no more unanswered questions. Instead, meaningful, multifaceted treatment plans take center stage.
Concierge Medicine is not relegated to just offering the fanciest treatments or using the most advanced technology; it’s about being more closely connected with your patients, in real time, to truly understand how to help them.
Concierge Medicine, at its core, is a healthcare model where patients receive more direct and personalized access to specialized services. (4)
“Rather than hopping between specialists and taking more time away from your busy schedule, Concierge Medicine makes one dedicated physician available for all of your concerns.”
– Dr. Shapiro
The goal of this approach is to map out the bigger picture of what’s going on within your body, so that you can receive care that makes you feel like the best version of you!
Who is it for?
Concierge Functional Medicine isn’t just for patients who have complex or chronic health concerns. In fact, it’s best utilized by anyone interested in preventing or reversing metabolic health issues in order to optimize their wellness and overall lifestyle.
Many of my patients are professionals who lead busy lives, travel often, and need more flexibility when scheduling appointments.
Some patients do struggle with chronic conditions that the traditional healthcare system just does not have the time or attention span for.
Other patients live more physically active lifestyles and are looking for ways to improve their performance and their overall quality of life.
At the end of the day, if you’re just tired of feeling unheard or unseen by your assigned nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or medical doctor, consider exploring Concierge Medicine.
How does concierge functional medicine work?
This innovative model blends two powerful approaches to healthcare: the high-touch, personalized service of concierge medicine and the root-cause, whole-person philosophy of functional medicine. Together, they create a patient experience that’s proactive, empowering, and deeply transformative.
At its core, concierge functional medicine is a membership-based healthcare model that focuses on helping you understand the “why” behind your symptoms and achieve optimal health, not just manage disease.
It’s an elevated form of medicine that combines:
- Functional Medicine – An evidence-based, systems biology approach that seeks to identify and address the root causes of chronic symptoms and disease.
- Concierge Care – A model where you pay a monthly or annual membership fee in exchange for more time, direct communication, and priority access to your doctor.
Here’s what you can typically expect as a patient in a concierge functional medicine practice:
1. Membership or Subscription-Based Care
Patients pay an annual fee, which covers enhanced services like:
- Extended visits (often 60–90 minutes)
- 24/7 Direct access to your doctor via in-office, telehealth, phone, text, or email
- Personalized health and lifestyle programs
- Regular check-ins and follow-ups
- Care coordination and advanced testing support
This model ensures you get the time and attention you deserve.
2. A Root-Cause Approach
Instead of simply treating symptoms with prescriptions, our Concierge Functional Medicine Program digs deeper, exploring various areas like:
- Gut health and the microbiome
- Hormonal imbalances
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Environmental toxins (like mold, metals, or chemicals)
- Genetic predispositions (e.g., APOE, MTHFR)
- Mitochondrial or metabolic dysfunction
Advanced testing is often used to uncover these deeper drivers of disease, fatigue, or inflammation.
3. Customized Treatment Plans
Once your root causes are identified, Dr. Shapiro will develop a highly personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Nutritional strategies
- Pharmaceutical-grade supplements
- Detox protocols
- Bioidentical hormone therapy or peptide therapy
- Fitness, sleep, and stress management plans
- Prescription medications when needed
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Graphs are updated as your body heals and your goals evolve.
4. Ongoing Monitoring
You’re not left to navigate this process alone. Monthly or bi-monthly check-ins, messaging access, and follow-up lab work (typically every 3–6 months) allow for dynamic adjustments to your plan and continued accountability.
5. Fee-For-Service Model
Most concierge functional medicine practices do not accept insurance. This allows for greater freedom in how care is delivered and removes insurance restrictions on visit length, testing, or alternative treatments.
However, patients can often use HSA/FSA funds, and some labs may still be covered by insurance, depending on your plan.
Why Patients Choose Concierge Functional Medicine
More and more people are turning to this model of care because they’re tired of 7-minute visits and a “pill for every ill” approach. They want:
- More time with their doctor
- A plan tailored to their body and biochemistry
- A partner in their long-term health journey
- Preventive, not just reactive, care
- Answers—finally—to their unresolved symptoms
Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, brain fog, gut issues, hormonal imbalances, or just want to optimize your health, concierge functional medicine offers a smarter, more personalized path forward.
Interested in learning if this model is right for you? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward healing and vitality.
Schedule an appointment at TribecaMed and explore how Concierge Medicine can elevate your well-being.
FAQ
What is Concierge Medicine?
Concierge Medicine is a personalized approach to healthcare that allows you to access me or my team at any point of the day.
Who can benefit from Concierge Medicine?
Anyone interested in more personalized care, those with busier schedules, as well as patients struggling with chronic health conditions, would find Concierge Medicine to be highly beneficial.
Will Concierge Medicine require regular follow-up appointments?
Concierge appointments are based on your individual treatment plan; however, one of the benefits of our program is that you can follow up as often as necessary. Our Concierge Medicine allows 24/7 access to our team of experts.
Will I still have access to Concierge Medicine care if I cannot come into the office?
Yes you will have direct access to Dr. Shapiro, consistent access to care, whether you are in Florida or traveling abroad! We offer both virtual consultations and in-person services to help address each individual’s concerns.
How do I know if Concierge Medicine is right for me?
If you are still unsure if Concierge Medicine is right for you, we encourage you to reach out to a member of our medical team regarding how our services can help you feel your best.
References
- Braman M, Edison M. How to Create a Successful Lifestyle Medicine Practice. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2017;11(5):404-407. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827617696296
- Serna DC. Lifestyle Medicine in a Concierge Practice: My Journey. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2019;13(4):367-370. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827618821865
- Alhawshani S, Khan S. A literature review on the impact of Concierge Medicine services on individual healthcare. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 2024;13(6):2183. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1685_23
- Tinetti ME, Naik AD, Dodson JA. Moving From Disease-Centered to Patient Goals–Directed Care for Patients With Multiple Chronic Conditions. JAMA Cardiology. 2016;1(1):9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2015.0248