Concierge Pediatrics vs Traditional Care: What LA Parents Need to Know

Hello, Los Angeles families. I am Dr. Anita Sabeti. If you are reading this, you are likely looking for the absolute best healthcare options for your children. Living in LA is wonderful, but it is also fast-paced. We deal with traffic, busy schedules, and the constant hustle of city life. When your child gets sick or needs a check-up, you want the process to be smooth, comforting, and thorough. You do not want to feel like just another number in a crowded waiting room.

Over the years, I have seen the landscape of medicine change. Many parents today are feeling frustrated with the standard healthcare model. Because of this, a new way of practicing medicine has become very popular. This is called concierge pediatrics. It is a model I believe in deeply because it allows me to be the doctor I always wanted to be. Today, I want to walk you through the real differences between concierge vs traditional pediatrics so you can decide what is best for your family.

Understanding Traditional Pediatric Care

First, let’s talk about the traditional model. This is the type of doctor’s office most of us grew up with. In this system, pediatric practices are usually driven by insurance reimbursements. Because insurance companies pay a fixed, often low amount for visits, doctors need to see a high volume of patients to keep their doors open.

In a traditional practice, a single pediatrician might have a patient panel of 2,000 to 3,000 children. That is a lot of families to care for. Because of this volume, the schedule is often packed tight. You might recognize this routine:

• You call to make an appointment for a sick child, but there are no openings for two days.
• You arrive on time but sit in the waiting room for 45 minutes.
• When the doctor finally comes in, the visit lasts less than 15 minutes.
• You leave with a prescription but maybe still have questions you didn’t get to ask because the doctor looked rushed.

I want to be clear: traditional pediatricians are wonderful, dedicated doctors. They care about kids. However, they are often trapped in a system that forces them to work at a speed that makes deep connection difficult. It is not their fault; it is the system’s fault.

What is Concierge Pediatrics?

Now, let’s look at the alternative. Concierge pediatrics is often called “membership medicine” or “boutique medicine.” It is a model designed to put the relationship between the doctor and the family first. In this model, parents pay a membership fee (usually monthly or annually). This fee allows the practice to significantly reduce the number of patients the doctor sees.

Instead of thousands of patients, a concierge pediatrician might only care for a few hundred. This creates a completely different environment. When I see patients in a concierge setting, I am not watching the clock. I am watching your child.

When we compare concierge vs traditional pediatrics, we are really comparing a volume-based business model against a value-based care model. It changes the dynamic from “sick care” to true “healthcare.”

The Major Differences: A Deep Dive

To really understand why so many LA parents are making the switch, we need to look at the specific benefits. These aren’t just perks; they are fundamental changes in how your child receives medical attention.

1. Time is the Greatest Luxury

In traditional care, the average face-to-face time with a doctor is often around 10 to 12 minutes. That is barely enough time to check ears, listen to the heart, and sign a form. What if you are worried about your toddler’s speech development? What if your teenager is showing signs of anxiety? These are complex issues that cannot be solved in a ten-minute rush.

In my practice and other concierge offices, appointments are much longer. A standard check-up might last 30 to 60 minutes. This extended time allows me to observe your child when they are calm, not just when they are being examined. We can talk about nutrition, sleep habits, school performance, and emotional well-being. This is how we catch small issues before they become big problems.

2. 24/7 Accessibility and Peace of Mind

Imagine it is Friday night at 9:00 PM. Your baby wakes up with a high fever and a strange rash. In the traditional model, your options are limited. You can call an answering service and wait for a callback from a nurse who doesn’t know your child, or you can rush to an urgent care clinic or the ER. Both options are stressful, expensive, and time-consuming.

In concierge pediatrics, you have direct access to your doctor. My parents have my cell phone number. They can text me a photo of the rash or call me directly. Often, I can diagnose the issue over the phone or reassure the parents that it can wait until morning. If your child does need to be seen, I know exactly who they are and their medical history. This level of access is practically priceless for new parents.

3. No Waiting Rooms

Nobody likes a waiting room. They are often filled with other sick children, which increases the risk of your child catching something else. In Los Angeles, where traffic already eats up so much of your day, spending an hour in a waiting room is incredibly frustrating.

Concierge offices run on time. Because we see fewer patients, if your appointment is at 2:00 PM, you are seen at 2:00 PM. Many concierge pediatricians, including myself, also offer house calls. This means I come to you. There is nothing more comfortable for a sick child than being examined in their own bed.

Comparison Chart: Concierge vs Traditional Pediatrics

To make it easier to visualize, I have created this chart to highlight the key differences between these two models of care.

Why Los Angeles Parents Are Choosing Concierge

Living in Los Angeles presents unique challenges. We are a city of high achievers, creative professionals, and busy families. We value efficiency and quality. When you look at concierge vs traditional pediatrics through the lens of an LA parent, the choice often leans toward concierge for several reasons.

First, there is the traffic factor. If you have to drive across town to see a specialist or your pediatrician, that is a huge chunk of your day. Concierge care often utilizes telemedicine for minor issues. If you are unsure about a bug bite, a quick video call or text can save you a three-hour round trip on the 405 freeway.

Second, privacy is a major concern for many families in our area. Whether you are a public figure or just someone who values discretion, a crowded waiting room is not ideal. Concierge practices offer a level of privacy that traditional clinics simply cannot match. You are often the only family in the office during your visit.

Third, there is the focus on holistic health. In LA, we are very conscious of wellness, nutrition, and mental health. A concierge pediatrician has the time to discuss organic diets, sleep training methods, and stress management for teenagers. We can act as a partner in raising a healthy child, not just a mechanic who fixes them when they break.

For more information on the growing trend of personalized medicine and how it benefits long-term health, you can read this interesting article on the value of concierge medicine and personalized care.

The Cost Analysis: Is It Worth It?

I know what you are thinking: “This sounds great, Dr. Sabeti, but is it expensive?” It is true that concierge medicine involves an out-of-pocket membership fee. However, when you break down the value, many parents find it actually saves them money and stress in the long run.

Think about the cost of an Urgent Care visit. You have your co-pay, but you also have the cost of your time. If you have to leave work early, or if you end up in the ER for something that could have been handled by a text message, the costs add up quickly. One unnecessary ER visit can cost thousands of dollars—often more than the annual fee for a concierge membership.

Furthermore, having a doctor who knows your child’s baseline health can prevent unnecessary testing. In a traditional setting, a doctor who doesn’t know you well might order expensive tests “just to be safe.” As a concierge doctor, I know my patients. I can often confidently say, “Let’s watch this for 24 hours,” because I know I will be available to follow up the next day.

Some families view the membership fee as an investment in insurance for their peace of mind. Knowing you have a board-certified expert in your pocket 24/7 alleviates the anxiety that comes with parenting.

The Importance of the Doctor-Patient Relationship

The most beautiful part of my job is watching children grow up. In the concierge vs traditional pediatrics debate, the biggest winner in the concierge model is the relationship. I am not just a doctor; I become a friend of the family.

I know the names of your pets. I know that your son is afraid of thunder. I know that your daughter struggles with math. These details matter. They help me treat the whole child. When a child trusts their doctor, they are less scared of shots. They are more honest about their feelings. This leads to better health outcomes.

In the traditional system, turnover is high. You might see a different doctor or nurse practitioner at every visit. This lack of continuity can lead to fragmented care. Things can fall through the cracks. In my practice, I am the one seeing your child every time. I hold the full picture of their health history in my mind.

Is Concierge Pediatrics Right for You?

Choosing a pediatrician is a very personal decision. Concierge care is not for everyone, but it might be right for you if:

• You value time: You want appointments to start on time and not feel rushed.
• You have a complex schedule: You need a doctor who offers flexible scheduling, including weekends or evenings.
• You want direct access: You want to be able to text or call your doctor directly without going through a call center.
• You have a child with specific needs: If your child has a chronic condition or developmental concerns, the extra time and attention are crucial.
• You are a first-time parent: The reassurance of having an expert available 24/7 can make the transition to parenthood much smoother.

Making the Switch

If you are currently in a traditional practice and feel like something is missing, it might be time to look into concierge care. You do not have to settle for long wait times and short visits. You have a choice.

When you interview potential pediatricians, ask them about their patient panel size. Ask them how they handle after-hours calls. Ask them how much time they schedule for a well-child check. The answers will tell you a lot about the type of care they provide.

Final Thoughts on Your Child’s Health

As a parent and a pediatrician, I know that nothing matters more than the health and happiness of our children. We do everything we can to give them the best start in life. The healthcare model you choose is a foundational part of that start.

When we look at concierge vs traditional pediatrics, we see two very different paths. One focuses on volume and efficiency for the system. The other focuses on personalization, time, and deep care for the family. In a city like Los Angeles, where life moves so fast, having a doctor who slows down to truly listen to you is a rare and wonderful thing.

I invite you to think about what you value most in your healthcare experience. If you are looking for a partner who will walk beside you through every fever, every milestone, and every worry, concierge pediatrics might be exactly what you have been looking for. I am honored to provide this level of care to my families, and I would love to help you navigate your child’s health journey with confidence and peace of mind.