This content was produced in partnership with Atrium Health.
Concierge medicine, also known as membership-based care, has been gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional doctors’ offices.
An example: Atrium Health Levine Children’s Perspective Pediatrics is the only local pediatric practice following a membership-based model to deliver “an enhanced level of personalized care, availability and convenience,” according to the website.
- Take note: This model especially benefits busy families and patients with chronic, complex conditions.
Here’s how: The office has three physicians and takes on a smaller number of patients in order to offer 24/7 communication and a closer relationship between doctors and patients.
- All patients are members of the practice, meaning they pay a membership fee.
- There’s also an adult practice, Atrium Health Perspective Health & Wellness.
To learn more about the practice, we interviewed Dr. Amanda Moran Lanier, the medical director at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Perspective Pediatrics. She works alongside Dr. Ngoc-Diep Nguyen and Dr. David Pubantz.
Why did you go into this field?
The background: During my rotations at West Virginia University Medical School, I spent a month in Charlotte and absolutely fell in love with the city.
- It’s a big city, but it still had that small-town feel, particularly in the pediatric community.
I was fortunate to get a job with Atrium Health Levine Children’s at Charlotte Pediatrics and was there for almost 19 years. This experience molded me into the doctor that I am today.
But then this phenomenal opportunity came along at Perspective Pediatrics and I couldn’t pass it up.
Here’s why: While in a traditional practice, I realized that I really found joy in spending time with patients and forming personal connections.
- I enjoyed creating value for my patients and their families.
How does membership-based care allow you to have deeper connections with patients?
We are intentionally small and limit our membership to a fraction of typical traditional practices, so the daily patient volume is dialed back and we really get to know our families.
- An example: We allow an hour for “well visits” and at least 30 minutes for “sick visits.” I’m usually able to greet my patients when they arrive.
What’s a typical patient experience like in your office?
When you walk through the door, we intentionally designed the office to feel soothing.
- It feels more like a spa than a doctor’s office. We even have a snack station!
The team at check-in is the same team for every interaction with us, so you’re really getting to know them. And when you check in, we generally already have your room ready.
We use technology to our advantage. We try to keep things paperless and we have large screens in every room to project our laptops, so the visit becomes very interactive.
- Even better: If there is a family member that can’t be in the office, they can join virtually.
The way we practice medicine is exactly the same as traditional offices; we follow the same American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
Does your office accept insurance?
Yes, absolutely. And that’s unique in the concierge world. We accept all insurances that participate with Atrium Health.
What this means: The membership fee covers the increased access to our team, while insurance covers visits and treatments.
What are some of your favorite Charlotte spots?
I have a large number of food allergies, which can be challenging, but one of my favorite spots is Foxcroft Wine Co. We joke that they keep a little sticky note back in the kitchen that has my allergens on it.
- Even better: My experience allows me to help families with food allergies navigate things, including the Charlotte restaurant scene.
Learn more about becoming a member at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Perspective Pediatrics.
This content was produced in partnership with Atrium Health.
