MD² (pronounced MD squared), a pricey provider of concierge medicine focused on health and wellness, opened its first primary care office in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood in March and is already reaching capacity, personnel say.
The office, which marks MD²'s entrance into Houston, signifies a shift toward personalized healthcare with a low doctor-to-patient ratio. MD² Drs. Karen Baerenstecher, MD, and Harold Condara, Jr., MD, FACC, limit their patient roster to only 50 families each, as opposed, they say, to primary care doctors at other medical facilities, who might see between 1,500 and 1,900 patients annually.
With more than 20 offices nationwide - including those in Dallas and Austin - MD² had its eyes set on the Texas Medical Center because of its national reputation, the CEO says.
"We always planned on opening a practice in the largest medical complex in the world. Timing, location, and selecting highly distinguished internists serve as a predicate for MD² in all markets," says Sean Kell, CEO of MD². "Our local MD² doctors, both who have privileges at Houston's most renowned hospitals, also serve as a natural extension of our nationwide network."
Central to MD²'s approach, they say, is a commitment to thoroughly understanding each patient's medical requirements. Appointments may last up to two to three hours, allowing for in-depth consultations and the opportunity for doctors to accompany patients to specialist consultations. MD² patients have direct access to their doctor's cell phone, with round-the-clock availability for home, workplace, or even airport consultations.
Concierge care doesn't come cheap. All primary services are covered by a single monthly fee, and they do not bill insurance or Medicare. The cost of MD²'s services are priced at $24,000 annually for the first family member and an additional $12,000 for a spouse. Membership fees include annual physical exams, unlimited visits, home and work consultations, X-rays, and routine lab tests such as blood panels, cardiovascular screenings, cancer evaluations, and more.
"Our doctors have the ability to practice medicine in an ideal environment, developing close personal relationships and collaborating with the network of MD² specialists," says MD² founder Dr. Howard Maron. "It is a tremendous gift for them to care for their patients as they would for their own families. This is healthcare as it should be with zero compromises."
After just weeks in business, many Houstonians are buying into the concept, the company says.
"The response has been overwhelmingly positive." Kell says. "We are approaching our 100-family limit, at which point the Houston practice will start a waiting list until MD² finds two physicians of the caliber they demand to open a second Houston office.
The office is at 2001 Kirby Dr., Suite 505, Houston; more information is on the website.
Photo courtesy of MD²
MD² opened its first concierge medicine practice in River Oaks in March.
