‘Boutique’ Medicine Does a Disservice
The recent coverage of “boutique” medical practices (“A Visit With Dr. Deluxe,” July 22) strikes a number of chords with me. These so-called concierge medical practices move experienced physicians out of the mainstream at a time when primary-care providers are in greater demand than ever.
As a nurse practitioner, I already provide virtually all the care provided by these specialized practices at compensation levels that would barely pay their monthly phone bill. Nurse practitioners are educated to provide primary health care, which emphasizes prevention and the maintenance of individual and family wellness. This care, according to the definition of boutique service, deserves supplemental income. For my nurse-practitioner colleagues and many primary-care physicians, it’s part of the normal job description.
It’s true, patient demand is overwhelming many primary-care professionals in this country. What we need are changes to the laws and regulations that prevent nurse practitioners from accepting a larger share of the burden, not boutique medical practices that only exacerbate an already confounding problem and further limit patient and family choices.
CHRISTINE M. BETZOLD
Newport Beach
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According to the Health section, “boutique” medical practices are being franchised across the nation. Charging a retainer fee of $1,000 to $4,000, these practices offer one-day appointments, round-the-clock access to physicians, comprehensive yearly physical examinations and more--in short, the things you need from a doctor to save your life.
All a doctor need do after franchise is tussle with his conscience after tossing all the patients who can’t afford his fee. I don’t think Hippocrates meant it that way. Soon people will see they are dealing with the same doctors who gave them managed health care and doctors who regularly sell out to the huge pharmaceutical corporations.
TOM FREEMAN
Pinon Hills
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There are two categories of doctors: those who are in it for the dedicated Hippocratic humanitarian mission and goal, and those who are in it for the money. The latter category is arguably useless at best and no better than the Enron and WorldCom executives at worst. These guys and gals have lost their way in a materialistic world. My apologies to those upscale “boutique” doctors who use their “extra” time treating the poor, the disenfranchised and the uninsured. Are there any of these?
DONALD A. SELLEK
Manhattan Beach
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