Why Families Choose a Concierge Pediatrician (and What It Costs)

Short appointments. Long waits on hold. A different doctor every visit. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone, and it is a big reason more parents are searching for a concierge pediatrician.

A concierge pediatrician offers care through a membership. Instead of billing insurance for each visit, the practice charges a regular fee, keeps a smaller patient panel, and gives families more time and easier access to their child's doctor and care team. This guide from Culver Pediatrics Center explains how the model works, why families choose it, what it typically costs, and the questions to ask before you join any practice, including ours.

Smaller patient panels mean longer visits and more time for questions. (Photo: Pexels)

Key Takeaways

• A concierge pediatrician cares for a smaller group of patients in exchange for a membership fee, which usually means longer visits and faster access.

• Membership does not replace health insurance. You still need coverage for hospital stays, emergencies, specialists and other care outside the practice.

• Before joining, ask exactly what the fee includes, how to reach the care team, how soon your child can be seen, and what costs extra.

What Is a Concierge Pediatrician?

A concierge pediatrician is a pediatrician who provides primary care through a membership model. Families pay a set fee, and in return the practice limits how many patients it serves so each child gets more time and attention.

Concierge Medicine vs Direct Primary Care

You may also hear the term direct primary care (DPC). The two models overlap, but there is a difference.

Direct primary care: According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), DPC practices "rely solely on patient fees, not accepting insurance or participating in government programs."

Concierge medicine: Concierge practices usually charge higher fees and may still bill insurance for visits.

Culver Pediatrics Center is a concierge-style, direct primary care practice. We do not bill insurance for the services we provide directly. Families pay a flat monthly membership fee, and we are accountable to you, not an insurance company.

Why Families Choose a Concierge Pediatrician

More Time with the Doctor

With fewer patients on the schedule, appointments can be longer. That leaves room to talk about sleep, behavior, nutrition, school and the questions you usually forget to ask before the doctor walks out the door.

Smaller Patient Panels

Panel size is the number of patients a doctor is responsible for. The AAFP's 2024 data brief found that the average DPC panel was about 402 patients. By comparison, a 2012 study in the Annals of Family Medicine estimated the average U.S. primary care panel at about 2,300 patients. A smaller panel is what makes the extra time and access possible.

Faster, Easier Access

Most membership practices offer quick sick visits and a direct way to reach the care team. At Culver Pediatrics Center, members get same-day or next-day appointments when their child is ill, and they can message our care team through our secure patient app.

Continuity of Care

The AAP describes the ideal pediatric "medical home" as one where "the same primary care clinician cares for the child from infancy through young adulthood." A concierge model makes that kind of relationship easier to keep.

Support for Complex Needs

Families of children with chronic or complex conditions often benefit most. Culver Pediatrics Center also runs a dedicated PANS/PANDAS clinic, and families travel from as far as California for this specialized care.

Key Clinical Takeaway: In the AAFP's 2024 survey of direct primary care practices, 98% included same-day appointments as part of membership, and the same share included phone, text or other direct consults.

Same-day or next-day sick visits are a core part of membership care. (Photo: Pexels)

What Does a Concierge Pediatrician Cost?

Typical Membership Ranges

Fees vary widely by region, practice size and what is included. The AAFP reports that DPC membership fees "generally range from $50 to $100" per month. Its 2024 data brief, a survey of DPC practices, found that monthly fees for children were in the $20 to $49 range. Concierge practices and pediatric practices with specialty services, longer visits and very small panels often charge more.

What Culver Pediatrics Center Charges

We believe in clear pricing. As listed on our concierge pediatric care page, for new enrollments on or after July 1, 2026:

• First month (onboarding): $2,000 per patient

• Monthly membership, starting the second month: $300 per patient

Our fees reflect a deliberately small practice, extended visits, and specialized care such as our PANS/PANDAS services. Current members' monthly fees did not change with the July 2026 update, and Culver Academies student pricing is separate. Please confirm current fees during your group Q&A session, and ask which labs, medications or outside services are billed separately.

Do You Still Need Health Insurance?

Yes. The AAFP notes that most DPC patients "still carry insurance" for care that cannot be provided in the primary care setting. That includes emergencies, hospital stays, surgery, imaging and specialists. HealthCare.gov notes that a 3-day hospital stay can average around $30,000. The AAFP also notes that DPC practices often suggest a high-deductible "wrap-around" policy to cover emergencies.

Can You Use an HSA?

Rules changed recently. Federal rules effective in 2026 let health savings accounts work with direct primary care memberships that cost no more than $150 a month for one person ($300 if the arrangement covers more than one person). Fees above that limit can affect your eligibility to contribute to an HSA while enrolled. Our membership fees are above that limit, so talk with a tax advisor or your HSA administrator before using or contributing to an HSA.

What a Culver Pediatrics Center Membership Includes

According to our website, membership includes:

• Well-child visits and sick visits, with same-day or next-day appointments when your child is ill

• Immunizations

• Developmental screening

• Chronic condition management, such as asthma, allergies, acne, digestive health and mental health

• Adolescent care

• On-site testing for COVID, flu and strep, plus minor procedures such as stitches

• Longer appointment times and direct access to our team through the SigmaMD patient app

We care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

How to Join Culver Pediatrics Center

• Attend a group Q&A session. We hold group information sessions instead of individual meet-and-greets, which keeps more appointment time open for our patients. Dr. Adame cannot give medical advice about your child during these sessions. Read why we use group Q&A sessions.

• Enroll. Complete enrollment for each child.

• Set up the patient app. In SigmaMD you can connect past records, complete intake forms, message our care team and self-schedule your first virtual intake.

• Plan your first visit. We are currently booking first appointments about 4 weeks after enrollment.

Out-of-state families are welcome. To establish care, your child must be seen in person at our Culver clinic within a few weeks of enrolling, before Dr. Adame can prescribe medications. Most follow-up visits can be done virtually. Culver Academies students can enroll without a group session.

Is a Concierge Pediatrician Worth It?

It depends on your family's needs and budget. A concierge pediatrician may be a strong fit if:

• Your child has a chronic or complex condition that needs close follow-up

• You value time, continuity and direct communication with one care team

• You have struggled to get timely sick visits elsewhere

• You want a pediatrician with a whole-child approach to nutrition, sleep, development and mental health

Ask any practice you are considering: What does the fee include? How do I reach the team after hours? How soon can a sick child be seen? What is billed separately? Can I cancel, and how?

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

A membership gives you easier access to your pediatrician, but it never replaces emergency care.

Contact your concierge care team for:

• Fever, cough, rash, ear pain, vomiting or other common illness

• Questions about medications, behavior, sleep or development

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if your child:

• Has trouble breathing, is working hard to breathe, or has blue or gray lips

• Has a seizure, is very hard to wake, or is unresponsive

• Shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat

• Has a serious injury, heavy bleeding or a possible poisoning

• Talks about hurting themselves or is unsafe. You can also call or text 988.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a concierge pediatrician and a regular pediatrician?

A concierge pediatrician serves fewer patients in exchange for a membership fee, which usually allows longer visits, quicker sick appointments and more direct communication. A traditional pediatrician typically bills insurance per visit and cares for a much larger patient panel.

Do concierge pediatricians take insurance?

Some concierge practices bill insurance in addition to a membership fee. Direct primary care practices, including Culver Pediatrics Center, do not bill insurance for services provided in the practice. You should still keep health insurance for emergencies, hospital care and specialists.

How much does a concierge pediatrician cost?

It varies widely. The AAFP reports DPC fees generally range from $50 to $100 per month, and its 2024 survey found children's fees in the $20 to $49 range. Pediatric concierge practices with longer visits and specialty services often charge more. At Culver Pediatrics Center, new members pay $2,000 for the first month and $300 per month after that, per patient.

How soon can my child be seen after joining Culver Pediatrics Center?

We are currently booking first appointments about 4 weeks after enrollment. Once your child is established, sick visits are available the same day or next day.

Can I use my HSA to pay for a concierge pediatrician?

It depends on the fee. Rules effective in 2026 let HSAs work with direct primary care memberships of up to $150 a month for one person. Culver Pediatrics Center's fees are above that limit, so check with a tax advisor or your HSA administrator before using an HSA.

About the Author

This article was written by the team at Culver Pediatrics Center and medically reviewed by Dr. Noemi Adame, MD, a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience, licensed in Indiana and Ohio. Dr. Adame leads Culver Pediatrics Center, a concierge and Direct Primary Care pediatric practice in Culver, Indiana, built around a "Veggies Over Pills" philosophy that pairs holistic, whole-child care with evidence-based Western medicine. You can learn more about her on the Culver Pediatrics Center team page.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Noemi Adame, MD. Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.

Partnering with Culver Pediatrics Center

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most personal decisions a family makes. At Culver Pediatrics Center, Dr. Noemi Adame, a board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience, leads a small, dedicated team that gives every child time, attention and a whole-child plan. We welcome families from Culver and across Indiana, and some travel from as far as California.

Schedule a Consultation with Culver Pediatrics Center Today to receive personalized care and support for your child's health and wellness.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare physician regarding your child's health. Fees and policies are current as of the publish date and may change; this is not tax or financial advice.

Sources

• Culver Pediatrics Center. Pediatric Concierge Care

• Culver Pediatrics Center. Home

• Culver Pediatrics Center. Price update for July 2026

• Culver Pediatrics Center. Why we require a group Q&A

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Direct Primary Care: What to Know

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Direct Primary Care 2024 Data Brief

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Direct Primary Care policy

• Altschuler J, et al. Estimating a reasonable patient panel size for primary care physicians. Annals of Family Medicine, 2012

• American Academy of Pediatrics. What Is Medical Home

• HealthCare.gov. Protection from high medical costs

• WTW. IRS issues guidance on HSA provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Dec 2025)