How To Start a Concierge Medical Practice in 90 Days
- AskAngie
- Dec 3
- 7 min read
Learning how to start a concierge medical practice takes courage because you’re stepping off the exhausting insurance treadmill and reclaiming control over your care. It’s natural to feel nervous about leaving behind the familiar, but the bold move to concierge medicine is driven by a desire for freedom, better patient relationships, and a sustainable practice. If you’re ready to break free from the insurance maze, understanding the right steps will help you build the practice you’ve always wanted—on your terms.
What is a Concierge Medical Practice? (legally)
A concierge medical practice is a healthcare model where patients pay a flat fee or subscription for enhanced access and personalized care. One of the biggest benefits is that you can make more money while working fewer hours—check out how much most concierge medicine practices earn below. Unlike insurance-based practices, concierge medical practices must protect their revenue directly since there’s no insurance middleman, meaning there’s no ceiling on your income. If you’re curious about costs, learning how much does it cost to start a medical practice is key to planning your successful concierge transition.
How Much Do Concierge Doctors Make?
Thinking about switching to concierge medicine? Here’s a quick look at what concierge doctors typically make—and why protecting your practice with the right legal compliance is key to long-term success.
Solo concierge physicians typically earn between $250,000 and $500,000 annually.
Larger concierge practices with multiple providers can generate $1 million or more in revenue.
Monthly membership fees usually range from $100 to $3,000 per patient depending on services and location.
Physicians often work fewer hours, focusing on quality over quantity, which improves work-life balance.
Earnings vary widely based on practice size, location, patient panel, and business model.
Legal Disclaimer: These figures are estimates and not guarantees of income. Individual results may vary based on numerous factors.
If you’ve downloaded compliance documents online, remember that generic templates rarely cover your specific risks. Protect your practice with a professional compliance audit from our firm. Schedule your personalized audit in just a few clicks to ensure your concierge practice is legally sound and ready to grow.
Medical Practice Startup Costs: What No One Warned You About (But We Will)
Starting a medical practice takes careful planning, especially when you feel like giving up because the reality of practicing medicine doesn’t match your vision. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to start a medical practice, know that successful launches usually require about 90 days of preparation focused on the right financial foundation. The most important medical practice startup costs to consider include:
Commercial leasing ($2,000 to $10,000 per month depending on size and location)
Leasing a physical office space is often one of the largest expenses for a medical practice, but the costs and requirements vary widely depending on your practice model. If you primarily provide telehealth, you might choose a smaller or shared space such as a co-working office, which can reduce costs significantly. However, be careful with DEA regulations—your physical office must meet certain standards to store and prescribe controlled substances legally. Different specialties have different needs too; for example, a dermatology practice may require more specialized exam rooms than a general primary care practice. Location also plays a big role—leasing in high-demand urban areas like Atlanta or New York will cost more but may offer better patient access. Balancing cost with compliance and operational needs is critical when planning your commercial lease budget.
Answering service ($500 per month)
An answering service is essential for medical practices to ensure patient calls are answered promptly, especially outside office hours. The cost can vary but is typically around $500 per month for reliable services for a startup medical practice. If your practice is mostly telehealth-based, you might integrate virtual receptionists or AI-driven systems that can handle scheduling and triage, which could alter costs and functionality. Your specialty also affects the type of service you need—for example, urgent care practices require 24/7 responsiveness, while elective specialties might have less urgent communication needs. Using a high-quality answering service not only improves patient satisfaction but also helps reduce liability by ensuring patients can always reach someone in emergencies or for timely advice.
Marketing strategy ($10,000)
Marketing your medical practice is crucial for attracting and retaining patients, but your approach should reflect your specialty and practice style. Telehealth practices might focus more on digital marketing, SEO, and social media to reach a broader, geographically dispersed audience (but be careful of unauthorized practice of medicine across state lines) , while local brick-and-mortar practices may invest more in community outreach and local advertising. Budgeting around $10,000 for your first year is common, but these costs can vary depending on the marketing mix and whether you outsource to an agency or handle it in-house. It’s important to create a strategy that aligns with your brand and patient demographics. Proper marketing builds trust and awareness, which is especially important for concierge or specialty practices where patient relationships and reputation drive growth.
Legal fees ($25,000 or more for the first year)
Legal fees are often underestimated but crucial for protecting your practice from costly mistakes and compliance issues. Whether you are negotiating leases, reviewing contracts, or ensuring HIPAA and other healthcare regulations are met, having expert legal counsel is non-negotiable. Practices focusing on telehealth might face additional legal nuances, such as multi-state licensing and telemedicine regulations, which can add complexity to legal work. The cost for legal support typically starts around $25,000 for the first year, covering essential services and risk management. Specialty practices might require more tailored contracts and compliance support, especially if they handle controlled substances or complex billing. Investing in solid legal counsel early on saves money and stress down the line.
Buildout costs (up to $50,000 if not landlord-covered)
Buildout costs cover the renovation and setup of your office space, which can range widely depending on the specialty and whether your landlord covers any expenses. If you’re operating mainly through telehealth or a co-working space, these costs might be minimal or nonexistent. However, if you need exam rooms, procedure suites, or specialized equipment, buildout costs can easily reach $50,000 or more. Specialty practices like dermatology or anesthesia require specific installations and equipment that add to buildout complexity and cost. It’s also important to consider timing since extensive buildouts can delay your launch and cash flow. Careful planning and budgeting for buildout ensures your space is both functional and compliant with healthcare standards.
EHR software ($3,000 for a conservative option)
Electronic Health Record (EHR) software is the backbone of modern medical practices, but costs and features can vary dramatically depending on your specialty and practice model. Conservative estimates start around $3,000 annually, but practices with high patient volumes or specialized needs may pay more for advanced functionality. Telehealth providers may need integrated video and remote monitoring features, while brick-and-mortar practices rely on scheduling and billing modules. User-friendliness and interoperability with other systems are critical to prevent workflow disruptions. Choosing the right EHR system early can improve patient care, streamline operations, and keep you compliant with regulations like HIPAA. Consider software that grows with your practice and offers solid support.
How to Start Your Own Medical Practice Without Losing Your Mind
Keep it simple by building a team of experts and delegating what’s outside your expertise.
You’ll be tempted to wear every hat—marketer, lawyer, website builder, credentialer—but resist that urge.
Stay focused on your strengths and get trusted advice to fast track your vision into reality.
You don’t have 50 hours to build a website, so connect with an experienced Atlanta healthcare lawyer who can refer you to reliable vendors.
The best way to keep your sanity is to act like the CEO: clarify your vision, refine your ideal patients, and use your influence to build referral relationships.
How To Start a Concierge Medical Practice in 3 Steps
Starting your concierge medical practice the right way is key—especially for practitioners in Georgia and New York where regulations and patient expectations vary. These three steps will help you build a strong foundation so you can focus on what matters most: providing exceptional care while enjoying the lifestyle you want. Whether your goal is more freedom, better work-life balance, or a thriving practice that reflects your values, this roadmap keeps you on track from day one.
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Vision & Design the Practice You Deserve
Write down who you want to serve and how. Connect this to what matters most—whether that’s more time with family, freedom to travel, or building deeper patient relationships. This clarity fuels your business plan and keeps your goals front and center.
Step 2: Budget for the Lifestyle You Want & Plan Beyond Traditional Healthcare
Concierge medicine is different. Your services should focus on the transformation patients seek—convenience, telehealth, flexible scheduling, maybe even home visits. Use technology smartly to deliver care on your terms and build a budget that supports this new model.
Step 3: Protect Your Practice—Hire a Healthcare Lawyer Who Gets It
A shaky legal setup can threaten your license, your money, and your peace of mind. An experienced healthcare lawyer helps you build a compliant, strong foundation that lets you grow confidently. Check out how we can help you here.
Why You Should Hire a Medical Practice Startup Lawyer Â
Wondering how to start a concierge medical practice without the guesswork? Book a Start My Practice Session—this isn’t another sales call. You’ll get expert legal and consulting advice tailored to your unique situation. I’ll help you see the blind spots, avoid costly mistakes, and plan your next moves with confidence.
Stop spinning your wheels and get clear, actionable insights that actually move your practice forward. Schedule your session today and start building the practice you deserve.
What is the average fee for a concierge doctor?
The average fee for a concierge doctor varies widely based on specialty, location, and how well the practice is managed. Some providers struggle with DIY setups and don’t scale as hoped, falling short of their vision. However, optimized concierge practices—especially in high-value markets like Atlanta and New York—can generate well over seven figures annually. Success depends on smart business strategies, personalized patient services, and effective marketing. If you want to understand what fee structure fits your goals and how to build a thriving practice, book a Start My Practice Session for expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Is concierge medicine profitable?
Yes, concierge medicine can be very profitable, but success requires careful planning and the right strategy. Unlike insurance-based practices where patient flow is built-in through insurance networks, running a concierge business means you’re responsible for attracting and retaining patients directly. If you’re wondering how to start a concierge medical practice, it’s important to understand that this model focuses on delivering personalized care while creating predictable revenue through membership fees. With the right support—from legal advice to business strategy—you can build a sustainable, profitable practice that aligns with your goals and provides real freedom and flexibility.
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