Concierge Psychiatry in San Diego | Kai MacDonald, MD

To create the kind of practice I want for patients, I operate a full-service, “concierge” psychiatry practice, as opposed to an insurance-driven one. This allows me to focus on quality over quantity and on personalized service and accessibility over volume.

Three advantages set a concierge practice apart from an insurance-driven psychiatry model:

I HAVE MORE TIME FOR YOU.

Most importantly, I have fewer patients than an insurance-driven practice, which means I have more time for you.  We will have ample time during your visit to discuss your concerns.  I am also much more accessible between visits for your phone calls and emails.  When you have a concern, you call me directly, and can expect to get a personal reply to your questions and concerns in a timely manner.  If you want to be seen on a more urgent basis, I can schedule you within a day or two, and I can typically see new patients within a few days.  I have flexible hours, and can provide telepsychiatry (web-based care) in appropriate situations.

WE TAILOR YOUR TREATMENT PLAN.

Second, your treatment plan is tailored and chosen by us, not any third party.  Simply, I work for you, with your best outcome in mind.   In insurance-driven models, care is often split between multiple providers, with the psychiatric physician simply prescribing medication, and seeing multiple patients per hour.  Though this model works for some patients, for many others, having a single clinician with ample time to listen, as well as the ability to flexibly utilize a variety of different tools (including psychotherapy, non-invasive ketamine treatment, and more) is a significant asset.

PAYMENT IS DIRECTLY TO THE PHYSICIAN.

Finally, a defining feature of a concierge practice is that payment is directly to the physician.  I am not a member of any insurance panels, and do not accept insurance payments.  That said, many insurance companies provide what are called out-of-network benefits which allow you to be reimbursed directly for services rendered by me. I have an experienced practice nurse who will help you with this process if it is available to you.  If you have insurance, please contact your insurance company directly to see if these benefits are part of your plan.  Please contact us directly to discuss rates.

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