Hospital Patients Willing To Pay Extra For First-Class Service

Finding a good doctor was hard to find for Maureen Johnson.

“Her front office was like the Department of Motor Vehicles in every bad way it entails,” she said, of her previous physician. “I actually told her that.”

So, Johnson signed up for “Eisenhower Primary Care 365.”

Dr. Joseph Scherger launched the program last year. He said it may be the only one of its kind in California.

“[Our patients are] way less likely to go to the emergency room. They’ll have better care of their chronic illness,” he said. “They won’t have the likelihood of being admitted to a hospital.”

The typical primary care doctor treats more than 2,000 patients.

An Eisenhower 365 doctor sees about one-third that number, between 600-900 patients, which means more time with the doctor.

But, it comes with a price.

If you’re 55 years old or younger, you’ll pay close to $400 a year. If you’re over 55, expect to pay about $600 a year.

Children under 18 are free as long as their parents are members.

Is it worth it?

Dr. Scherger says it’s like paying for a first-class seat on an airplane.

“If you want to talk to the flight attendant, it’s pretty easy,” he said. “But, if you’re back there in coach, you might be pressing on the button and having trouble.”

The 365 program isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re younger, generally healthy or simply don’t want that personal relationship with your doctor.

Johnson says it was too good to be true.

“I had a medical problem where I had to talk to the doctor everyday for three weeks,” she said. “He was always there, always available.”