Fairfax, VA– Northern Virginia is emerging as a national leader in concierge medicine, a personalized healthcare model that is reshaping how patients experience medical care. With the region already known for its top-tier hospitals and cutting-edge research, a growing number of local physicians are now embracing this membership-based approach to deliver highly attentive, individualized care.
“Concierge medicine in NOVA is flourishing thanks to pioneering physicians and their patients who value a deeper, more connected form of healthcare,” said Andrew Bonner, Vice President of Business Development at Specialdocs Consultants, a national firm that helps practices transition to concierge models. “These doctors have become champions for a model that prioritizes time, access, and truly patient-centered care.”
The trend is gaining momentum amid widespread dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overwhelmed emergency rooms, short doctor visits, and fragmented care have led many patients to seek alternatives. Concierge practices typically offer same-day appointments, extended visits, and a strong emphasis on prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management.
Longer Visits, Better Outcomes
In Manassas, Dr. John Cary, an internist with nearly four decades of experience, transitioned to a concierge practice to ensure more accurate diagnoses and focused care. “Misdiagnoses happen too often in rushed systems,” said Dr. Cary. “With time and attention, we get it right from the start.”
Dr. Cary’s concierge model also supports innovative programs like his diet-focused approach to managing type 2 diabetes. The goal? Help patients reach an A1C of 6% without medication, using close monitoring and weekly check-ins. “We work together every step of the way,” he said.
Patient Relationships at the Core
Dr. Priya Mathur, who left a large medical group to join NOVAMED Associates in Fairfax in 2023, highlighted how concierge medicine has transformed her practice. “I can now spend a full hour with each patient during annual physicals,” she said. “We dive into not just screenings, but lifestyle choices that may underlie chronic illness.”
Recognized as a Super Doctors Rising Star and a Top Doctor in the region, Dr. Mathur said the ability to truly know her patients has made a meaningful difference. “Our habits — how we sleep, eat, move, and connect — shape our health. Concierge medicine lets us address those factors in depth.”
A Family-Like Approach to Care
Dr. Jay Tyroler, another Fairfax-based physician, likens his concierge practice to caring for family. “This model allows me to practice the kind of medicine I believe in — personal, compassionate, and proactive,” he said. His hands-on approach includes following up personally after specialist referrals and ensuring patients understand every step of their care.
One of his longtime patients, 60-year-old D.M., credits Dr. Tyroler with helping her stay healthy enough to compete in motorcycle rodeos. “At first, I thought concierge care was too expensive,” she said. “Now I know I can’t afford not to have it.”
Blending Traditional and Integrative Medicine
Drs. Chethana Rao and Mandana Shafai of Prima Medicine bring a holistic focus to their concierge practice, with over 45 years of combined experience. Dr. Rao incorporates functional and integrative medicine to reverse chronic conditions through lifestyle changes. “Prescriptive, evidence-based modifications can truly transform health,” she said.
Dr. Shafai, who previously served as Medical Director at Whole Women’s Health Clinic and taught at Georgetown University, tailors care plans around preventive care, hormone balance, and nutrition. “It’s personalized and empowering,” she said. “Patients are more involved and invested in their health journey.”
Advanced Expertise for Complex Needs
At Life Long Personalized Medical Care in Fairfax, Dr. James Long brings a unique mix of experience — from serving in combat as a Naval officer to launching a successful aesthetic practice. Now board certified in internal and obesity medicine, Dr. Long provides concierge care with an emphasis on metabolic health and weight loss.
“Every plan is individualized and continuously monitored,” he said. One patient, MJ.L., praised his holistic approach: “With my complicated medical history, I couldn’t ask for a better partner in managing my health.”
A Model for the Future
Bonner of Specialdocs believes the Northern Virginia model offers a glimpse into the future of primary care. “These physicians are redefining what it means to be a doctor in today’s world,” he said. “They’re not just treating illness — they’re transforming lives through a deeply personal approach.”
As more patients in the region seek meaningful, lasting relationships with their physicians, concierge medicine continues to gain ground — offering a compelling alternative to the status quo in healthcare.
