How does this practice work?
The concierge physician is an increasingly popular style of medical practice that centers around the patient to offer the highest quality of care, all lead directly by a board-certified medical doctor. Having a significantly smaller than typical patient panel allows a concierge doctor to spend more time with and thinking about each patient. This is achieved by paying an annual fee to secure each patient exclusive membership to the practice.
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Membership secures direct "on-call" access to Dr. Rightley, often same or next day appointments, long appointment times, and custom tailored care/research. As a member, you will only discuss test results and medical plans directly with Dr. Rightley and in as much detail as you would like. Dr. Rightley serves as an advocate for his patients by helping them navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ensuring clear communication across specialties, and personalized care. He thereby acts as a crucial liaison to demystify and streamline the patient's healthcare journey.
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In this practice, Dr. Rightley will deliver a classic approach to medicine, which leverages a strong patient/doctor relationship to prevent what can be prevented, quickly detect what cannot, and measurably improve quality of life across the board.
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Dr. Rightley believes in the power of strong, patient-centered primary care and its ability to keep people healthy and out of the hospital. ​
What does being a member of Dr. Rightley's practice mean for you?
Long Appointments
A thorough history is the cornerstone of effective medical care; however, the current insurance-based model of primary care depends on seeing patients as quickly as possible. The concierge model secures ample time with the doctor, so that all concerns can be voiced and appropriately addressed. This time will also allow Dr. Rightley to teach you about your medical problems and the various treatment options.
Patient-Specific Research
The time that Dr. Rightley will dedicate to you is not limited to one-on-one appointments. The concierge model allows Dr. Rightley to dedicate time every day to patient-specific research. This helps to ensure treatment plans for each patient are layering in both personal considerations and the latest evidence-based recommendations.
Direct Access
Members can call or email Dr. Rightley directly to discuss medical concerns or problems. This allows many medical matters to be resolved without in person appointments when desired. Additionally, since Dr. Rightley will only take on a select number of patients, same or next day appointments are typical.
About Eric Rightley, MD
Dr. Rightley was born and raised in Albuquerque and graduated from St. Pius X High School. He attended Tulane University in New Orleans for undergrad, where he met his wife, Betsy. He came back to Albuquerque for medical school and his Internal Medicine residency at UNM, where he was selected to be Chief Resident. Dr. Rightley and his wife absolutely love Albuquerque and are here to stay. They have one wonderful son who was born at the end of 2021. In his free time, Dr. Rightley enjoys beekeeping & hot air ballooning. But be warned, if he starts talking about the bees, he may never stop.
Education & Training
American Board of Internal Medicine
Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician
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University of New Mexico Hospital & VA Hospital
Chief Resident
VA Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Scholar
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University of New Mexico Hospital
Internal Medicine Resident Physician
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University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Phase I Honors, Research Honors
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Tulane University, School of Science and Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
Minors: Spanish, Philosophy
Cum Laude
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Why Internal Medicine?
As described by the American College of Physicians (ACP),
"Internal medicine physicians specialize in adult medicine, and are specially trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions. We provide comprehensive, longitudinal patient care. We have life-long relationships with our adult patients. Our patients are more than symptoms and diseases, and our recommendations are based on each patient’s unique situation. Often, other medical professionals call upon Internal Medicine Physicians for our ability to connect the dots, help solve problems, and identify solutions."
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In regard to Internal Medicine Physicians working in a Primary Care setting, ACP says,
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"Primary care is often considered a traditional role for many general internists. Primary care involves first-contact care for people with an undiagnosed symptom, sign, or health concern; care for individuals which is not organ- or problem- specific; longitudinal or continuous care; and responsibility for coordinating other health services related to a patient's care. Because internal medicine training is comprehensive and focused mostly on adults, general internists are particularly well equipped to provide preventive care and diagnose and manage disease in a primary care setting."
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Pricing
$2,500
Plus Gross Receipts Tax
Practice Fee per patient
billed annually
Health Insurance
In addition to the annual membership fee, we will also bill your health insurance for the care you receive. For most patients, this results in little or no added cost as Dr. Rightley's services are usually covered by health insurance plans. We accept all major insurance payers, and if we are not currently credentialed with your health insurance of choice, we will work to make that happen.
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A direct primary care or concierge physician is not an insurance alternative. You still need coverage for hospitalizations, specialist referrals, tests, and prescriptions.