Imagine a world where patients have their doctor’s cell phone number. There’s a private waiting room for them at the office, face-to-face interaction with their doctor isn’t rushed, they’re able to get an appointment the same day they call, and they don’t have to wait long once they get there. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, all of that and more is now a reality at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG).
NGPG is excited to now offer Concierge Medicine – a new type of care that offers 24/7 access to the doctor and many other benefits patients won’t find at a traditional primary care office.
“We are always looking for ways to better serve our community,” said Daniel Tuffy, president and chief administrative officer for NGPG. “We’ve heard the desire from our patients to have access to this type of care from the group they know and trust, so we’re pleased to now offer it and fill that need.”
Concierge Medicine is a type of care that comes with a multitude of benefits. These benefits give patients — sometimes called members — a healthcare experience unlike anything they’ve had before. The unhurried office visits allow their doctor to devote extra attention to the needs, issues and questions they might have about their health. Plus, with their doctor’s cell phone number in their pocket, they won’t have to wait until the next day or through the weekend for pressing matters.
Not only will NGPG Concierge Medicine offer that direct, more intentional connection to a patient’s doctor, but patients will also have shorter wait times in the office, a private waiting area with refreshments, as well as coordinated hospital care — all of which lead to a healthier and happier experience.
The doctor bringing this to NGPG is Margaret Grifa, MD. She brings more than 15 years of experience in the family medicine setting and is ultimately returning to her roots to introduce this new type of care.
“I went to the University of Georgia, my parents live in Hall County and my three siblings live nearby, too,” Dr. Grifa said. “I wanted my kids to grow up the same way I did, so I’m excited to be back home, bringing a new type of care to my community.”
Dr. Grifa earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and went on to complete her residency at Marshall University Family Practice in Huntington, West Virginia. When she’s not taking care of patients, you can find her in the air, flying a single engine airplane, or on the ground spending time with her husband and taxiing her three children around to Boy Scouts and their many other activities.
Learn More
NGPG Concierge Medicine is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1285 Sims Street in Gainesville. To learn more, visit www.ngpg.org/concierge-medicine or call 770-219-9366 to talk about becoming a member, which requires a $1,600 membership fee.
NGPG is an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Health System.