What does it mean to be an on-call doctor?
What do you do when you’re sick on a Saturday night? You’re feeling terrible, and your primary care doctor’s office won’t be open until Monday morning. You could head to an urgent care clinic and wait for hours, or you could try your luck calling an on-call doctor—someone you’ve never met who doesn’t know your medical history and might only be able to offer general advice.
This is the traditional idea of an on-call doctor: someone available after hours to provide basic guidance. But in concierge medicine, the concept is completely different. An on-call doctor isn’t just a voice on the other end of the line—they’re your doctor, someone you know and trust, available to you 24/7.
What is an on-call doctor in concierge medicine?
In a traditional medical setting, an on-call doctor often rotates among multiple physicians in a practice or a hospital system. If you call with an after-hours concern, you’re likely to speak with a doctor who isn’t familiar with you, your medical history, or your current treatment plan. While they can provide helpful advice, their ability to offer personalized care is limited.
In contrast, in concierge medicine, being an on-call doctor means:
Round-the-clock availability: Your doctor is available 24/7, whether you have a question in the middle of the night or on a weekend.
Direct communication: You communicate directly with your physician without going through answering services or intermediaries.
Personalized advice: Your doctor knows your health history and can provide specific, tailored recommendations based on your unique needs.
This level of access is a game-changer for patients, offering peace of mind and confidence that their health is always a priority.
The benefits of 24/7 access to healthcare
Having an on-call doctor through concierge medicine offers advantages that go beyond convenience:
Immediate medical guidance: You don’t have to wait until regular office hours to get answers about your health.
Fewer emergency room visits: Many issues can be resolved with a phone call or quick check-in, saving you unnecessary and costly trips to the ER or urgent care.
Better preventive care: Ongoing communication with your doctor helps catch small problems before they turn into bigger ones.
Peace of mind: Knowing your doctor is available anytime gives you confidence and reassurance about your health.
A 2019 survey conducted by Specialdocs Consultants found that 98% of patients in concierge medicine practices reported being highly satisfied with their care. This is largely due to features like 24/7 access and the personalized, proactive approach that concierge care provides.
How EMC Ohio delivers exceptional on-call care
At Executive Medical Centers of Ohio, we take being “on call” to the next level. As a concierge primary care practice, we ensure that our patients have unlimited access to their doctors—anytime, anywhere. Here’s how we make that happen:
24/7 direct access: You can call, text, or email your doctor whenever you need to, day or night.
Same-day appointments: If you need to be seen in person, we make it happen quickly.
Personalized care plans: Because we know your health history, we can provide advice and treatment tailored to you.
Our concierge model is built on the idea that your health shouldn’t have to wait. Whether it’s a question about a prescription, a sudden illness, or just a concern you want to address, we’re here to help.
Why concierge medicine is the future of primary care
In traditional healthcare, long waits, rushed visits, and limited access to your doctor have become the norm. But patients in Dayton—and across the country—are seeking something better. Concierge medicine is leading the way by offering:
Stronger doctor-patient relationships: With smaller patient loads, concierge doctors can truly get to know their patients.
Proactive care: By focusing on prevention, concierge doctors help patients avoid many common health issues.
Convenience and access: The ability to reach your doctor anytime is invaluable, especially in today’s busy world.
According to a 2023 report from the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), over 100 million Americans don’t have a primary care provider due to shortages and other barriers. And for those who do, the average wait time for a first appointment is 20.6 days. In Ohio alone, it’s projected that by 2025, the state will be short 1,200 primary care physicians.
Concierge medicine bridges this gap by ensuring that patients have the access and care they deserve.
Are you ready for personalized, on-call care?
At EMC Ohio, we’re redefining what it means to be an on-call doctor. With 24/7 access, same-day appointments, and personalized care, we’re here for you whenever you need us.
If you’re ready to experience healthcare that puts you first, contact us today to learn more about our concierge primary care model and how it can work for you.