Doctors switch to 'concierge' practices

Sapin has an unusual request for his patients. He wants them to pay an annual retainer of $1,500, a fee that will buy these patients better access and more attention from the busy doctor.

Sapin is among a handful of Arizona doctors who are so frustrated with the pressures of being a primary-care physician that they are striking a new, more exclusive path known as concierge medicine. The practice typically involves charging an annual fee in exchange for better access, longer appointments, more emphasis on preventive care and other medical perks.

"The idea behind it is nothing more than a return to the days of Marcus Welby," said Dr. Steven Knope, a Tucson physician who operates a concierge practice for about 125 patients.

Government regulations are causing doctors to reconsider how they administer to patients. They are cutting out the middleman - i.e. government - and are dealing directly with their patients. Of course, the politicians are not going to like this very much and will probably try to bring the rebellious physicians to their senses with new regulations.

Thanks to Karen de Coster