Pediatric Concierge Care FAQs: Dr. Sabeti Answers

As a pediatrician, I have spent years watching parents navigate the healthcare system. I see the look of worry in a mother’s eyes when she can’t get an appointment for her sick toddler. I see the frustration when a father has to wait an hour in a crowded waiting room, only to see the doctor for seven minutes. It became clear to me that families deserve better. They deserve a relationship with their doctor that is built on trust, time, and accessibility. This is why I transitioned to a concierge model.

I know that “concierge medicine” is a term that gets thrown around a lot lately, and it can sometimes feel a bit mysterious. You might wonder if it is right for your family or how it actually works day-to-day. Since opening my practice, I have received many wonderful questions from curious parents who are looking for a higher standard of care. To help you understand this model better, I have compiled the most common questions I receive into this guide on concierge pediatrics FAQs.

My goal is to be completely transparent. I want you to feel empowered to make the best healthcare decisions for your children. Let’s dive into what makes this model so special and why so many families are making the switch.

What Is Concierge Pediatrics?

Before we get into the specific questions, I want to define what this actually means. In a traditional pediatric practice, a doctor might have 2,000 to 3,000 patients. To see everyone, they have to rush through appointments. It’s not that they don’t care; it’s just that the math doesn’t work in their favor. They are running on a hamster wheel.

Concierge pediatrics flips this model upside down. In my practice, I limit the number of patients I take on significantly—usually to just a few hundred. Because my patient panel is so small, I have the luxury of time. This model usually involves an annual membership fee. In exchange for that fee, families get a level of access and personalized attention that simply isn’t possible in a high-volume clinic.

The Difference in Numbers

To give you a clearer picture of how my practice compares to a standard clinic, I’ve put together a chart. This highlights the differences that parents notice immediately.

Concierge Pediatrics FAQs: Dr. Sabeti Answers

Now that we have the basics down, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. These are the real questions parents ask me when we sit down for a meet-and-greet.

1. Why should I pay a membership fee when I already have insurance?

This is probably the most common question I get, and it is a very fair one. Health insurance is expensive, and adding a membership fee on top of it is a financial commitment. However, I ask parents to think about what their insurance actually buys them in a traditional setting. Usually, it buys you a slot on a very busy calendar.

The membership fee in my practice covers all the things insurance typically does not value. It covers the ability to text me at 9 PM when your baby has a fever. It covers the extended 60-minute wellness visits where we discuss nutrition, sleep, and behavioral health, not just height and weight. It covers the peace of mind knowing that when you call, you reach me, not a call center. Essentially, the fee allows me to keep my practice small so I can be available whenever you need me.

2. Do you offer same-day appointments?

Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest stressors for parents is having a sick child and being told the doctor is booked until Friday. In my concierge practice, I keep my schedule open for sick visits. If your child wakes up with a sore throat or an earache, you call me, and I get you in. Because I don’t double or triple-book patients, there is always room for urgent needs.

Furthermore, because our visits are never rushed, we can often handle things in the office that might otherwise send you to an urgent care center or ER, such as needing stitches or nebulizer treatments. This saves you time, money, and exposure to other sick kids in a waiting room.

3. Can I really reach you after hours?

Yes. When you join my practice, you aren’t just a number in a database. You get direct access to me. This includes cell phone access, texting, and email. If you are worried about a rash on a Saturday afternoon, you can text me a photo. I can look at it and tell you if it needs immediate attention or if it can wait.

This direct line of communication is a game-changer. It prevents unnecessary panic and late-night trips to the Emergency Room. Most of the time, parents just need reassurance. Being able to text your pediatrician and get a reply from the person who knows your child’s medical history is incredibly valuable.

4. How does this model help with my child’s development?

In a standard 10-minute appointment, there is barely enough time to check vitals and give vaccines. There is almost no time to talk about the nuances of development. However, developmental milestones are about more than just walking and talking.

With the extra time we have together, I can observe your child more closely. We can discuss:

• Sleep training methods that actually work for your lifestyle.
• Nutritional advice for picky eaters.
• Behavioral challenges at school or home.
• Mental health screenings for anxiety or depression in teens.

Because I know your family well, I can spot subtle changes that a doctor seeing you for five minutes might miss. This proactive approach allows us to catch potential issues early.

5. Do you do home visits?

Yes, I do offer home visits for newborns and in certain special circumstances. There is nothing quite like the comfort of having the doctor come to you, especially in those first few weeks of life when leaving the house feels like a military operation. Home visits allow me to see the environment the baby is in, help with breastfeeding in your own chair, and keep the baby away from germs in public spaces. It is a level of service that harkens back to the old days of medicine, and I am proud to bring it back.

6. What happens if my child needs a specialist?

Pediatric care sometimes requires a team. If your child needs to see a cardiologist, dermatologist, or any other specialist, I act as the quarterback of your medical team. In a traditional system, you are often handed a referral slip and told to “good luck.”

In my practice, I help coordinate that care. I can often get you into specialists faster because of my professional network. more importantly, I follow up. I read the specialist’s notes, I explain them to you in plain English, and I make sure that their treatment plan aligns with our overall health goals for your child. You are never left to figure it out alone.

For more information on the importance of a medical home and coordinated care, you can read this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics on HealthyChildren.org. It explains why having a central doctor managing care is vital.

7. Is concierge care only for wealthy families?

This is a misconception I work hard to break. While there is a cost involved, many of my families are everyday people who simply prioritize healthcare in their budget. They might drive older cars or skip expensive vacations because they value the accessibility and relationship they have with their pediatrician.

When you factor in the money saved on urgent care copays, the time saved by not missing work for long appointments, and the value of preventing chronic issues, many families find that the cost balances out. It is an investment in the long-term wellness of your child.

8. How do you handle teenage patients?

Adolescence is a tricky time. Teens are transitioning from being children to young adults, and their healthcare needs change. They need a doctor they can trust—someone who isn’t just “mom and dad’s doctor.”

Because I have built a relationship with them over time, teens feel comfortable talking to me. We have the time to discuss sensitive topics like mental health, peer pressure, body image, and safety. I treat my teen patients with respect and give them the space to take ownership of their own health, which is a crucial skill for adulthood.

9. What makes your approach “holistic”?

You might hear me use the word holistic, and I want to be clear about what that means. It doesn’t mean I don’t believe in modern medicine—I absolutely do. I follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, holistic means looking at the whole child.

I don’t just treat symptoms. If a child has frequent stomach aches, I don’t just prescribe medication. I look at their diet, their stress levels at school, and their sleep patterns. I believe that nutrition, environment, and emotional well-being are just as important as prescriptions. My goal is to find the root cause of the issue, not just put a band-aid on it.

10. How do I know if this is the right fit for me?

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most personal decisions you will make as a parent. Concierge pediatrics is a great fit for you if:

• You value your time and dislike waiting rooms.
• You want a doctor who knows your child’s name and history without looking at a chart.
• You want the security of being able to reach your doctor 24/7.
• You prefer a proactive, preventative approach to health rather than a reactive one.
• You want a partner in parenting, not just a medical provider.

Your Family’s Health Journey

I hope these concierge pediatrics FAQs have helped clarify what my practice offers. The landscape of healthcare is changing, and parents are realizing they have options. You don’t have to settle for rushed visits and unanswered questions.

My philosophy is simple: I treat your children the way I would want my own children to be treated. I believe in building a village around your family, where you feel supported, heard, and cared for. Medicine is about more than science; it is about human connection.

If you are looking for a pediatric experience that feels less like a transaction and more like a partnership, I invite you to reach out. Let’s sit down and chat about your child’s health goals. I would be honored to be a part of your family’s story, watching your little ones grow from newborns into healthy, happy young adults.