MD² (pronounced MD squared) recently opened its first primary care office in Houston in the River Oaks neighborhood. Doctors Karen Baerenstecher, MD, and Harold Condara, Jr., MD, FACC, each see just 50 families, a luxury in medicine where most primary care doctors see between 1500 and 1900 patients annually.
A low doctor-to-patient ratio is the cornerstone of the MD² philosophy, which centers around fully getting to know each patient and their medical needs. Appointments can last two to three hours, and doctors will even go with their patients to consultations with specialists. MD² clients have access to their doctor's cell phone number, and if the need arises, a doctor is available anytime, day or night, to meet at their home, workplace, or even the airport.
"Our doctors have the ability to practice medicine in an ideal environment, developing close personal relationships and collaborating with the network of MD² specialists," said 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."
The cost of concierge medicine is worth the peace of mind for many of its patients. An MD² membership fee is $24,000 annually for the first family member plus an additional $12,000 annually for a spouse. Families are encouraged to keep insurance for any procedures needed outside the clinic.
Annual physical exams, unlimited visits, home and work visits, x-rays, and routine lab tests, including blood panels, cardiovascular screenings, and cancer evaluations, are examples of the services covered by MD². Patient privacy is also a priority at MD², where only one patient is booked at a time, alleviating the worry of crossing paths with anyone in the waiting room. md2.com
“Our doctors have the ability to practice medicine in an ideal environment, developing close personal relationships and collaborating with the network of MD² specialists.” – Dr. Howard Maron, MD² founder
