NOVA's Concierge Medicine Boom is a Game Changer for Patients

CHICAGO, April 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Home to some of the nation's most renowned hospitals and healthcare research centers, Northern Virginia is also a hub for the surging popularity of concierge medicine, inspired by prescient local doctors who were the first to adopt this deeply personalized membership model of care. "NOVA doctors and their patients have become ardent champions for the extraordinary level of attention and care made possible in a concierge practice," says Andrew Bonner, Vice President of Business Development, Specialdocs Consultants, a national pioneer in concierge medicine practice conversions and management.

Amidst a healthcare environment that has worsened considerably in the post-pandemic years, demand has soared for smaller practices that offer same-day appointments, eliminating the need to wait in a crowded ER or urgent care, as well as unhurried visits with a focus on optimizing long-term well-being. "Most importantly, patients are seeking a continuous relationship with an outstanding physician who takes the time to consider every aspect of their care and will serve as their compassionate guide in an increasingly depersonalized system," says Bonner.

From a unique new approach to the diabetes diet to deeply personalized weight management to a powerful emphasis on prevention and longevity, to a focus on lifestyle modification, the top-rated concierge physicians featured here are redefining the patient experience in NOVA.

After almost 40 years in practice, Internist John Cary, MD's change to a concierge medicine model in Manassas means time to ensure the correct diagnosis is made. "The impact of a misdiagnosis is considerable, and happens much more frequently when visits are rushed and impersonal. Everything starts with the right diagnosis, which requires not only clinical knowledge, but focused care and attention for each individual," he says.

Extended appointments at his practice have also enabled the launch of his innovative diet program for patients with type 2 diabetes. "The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication," he explains. "Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up of blood glucose levels, with weekly check-ins that allow me to regularly adjust the amount of diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol medications needed as weight loss occurs. As I tell my patients, we are in this together."  

When Priya Mathur, MD, left a large medical group in 2023 to join NOVAMED Associates, an award-winning concierge internal medicine practice based in Fairfax, she noticed the difference immediately. "Now I can fully listen to patients who often don't feel heard by busy doctors, conduct hour-long physicals, and continually follow up on their progress," she relates.

The extended physical is particularly valuable, says Dr. Mathur. "We cover the essential screenings and vaccines, and then go well beyond to delve into lifestyle habits that may be at the root of a patient's sickness. So much of chronic illness and disability associated with aging is not inevitable but can be avoided through early detection and testing, lifestyle modifications and guidance from a physician who knows you well."

Recognized as a Washingtonian Post Super Doctors Rising Star and Northern Virginia Magazine Top Doctor, Dr. Mathur says: "Having the time to know a patient as a person, and not simply focusing on a medical problem, is the true gift of concierge medicine. When medical issues do occur, we have a much deeper understanding of how to care for them, knowing that the way we live – eat, drink, work, move, sleep, connect with community – directly impacts our health."

At Jay Tyroler, MD's membership practice in Fairfax, patients are considered quite literally as family. "Changing to a concierge model reflects my vision of medicine in a way that's rarely possible to achieve today," he says. "I believe there's nothing more honorable than helping patients when they're sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones."  

Dr. Tyroler says he knows his patients so well that it's easy to immediately identify their minor issues before they become crises, and guide them quickly and thoughtfully to a solution. If a specialist referral is needed for a difficult situation, he not only makes the referral but follows up with his patients to make sure everything is completely clear and all issues addressed. "My patients know I'm always just a phone call away, and that provides great peace of mind," he shares.

Even more gratifying is the difference he's made in so many lives. As patient D.M. recently revealed: "At first I thought I couldn't afford to join a concierge practice. But when I thought about what Dr. Tyroler has done to help me maintain my health, the great care that he takes of me, I realized I can't afford not to go. At an age (60) when most people are slowing down, I'm competing in motorcycle rodeos!" 

The dedicated doctors at Prima Medicine, Chethana Rao, MD, and Mandana Shafai, MD, share a collective 45 years of passion for primary care medicine with a highly individualized, holistic touch. Blending traditional medicine with functional and integrative health models to achieve optimal well-being for her patients has long been Dr. Rao's goal: "We know that evidence-based, prescriptive lifestyle changes can treat and often reverse the most common chronic illnesses."

Equally inspired by this fully patient-centered, integrative approach to managing health, Dr. Shafai focuses on preventive care, nutrition, weight management and hormone balancing, tailoring treatments to meet each patient's unique needs. "It's very personalized and empowering for patients who want to be actively involved in their care, whether it's managing chronic disease or adopting healthy lifestyle habits to prevent disease from occurring," she says. Dr. Shafai completed her residency and internship at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., served as Medical Director of Whole Women's Health Clinic, and as Associate Professor at Georgetown University/MedStar.

With advanced training in longevity medicine and metabolic health, along with board certification in internal and obesity medicine, James Long, MD, brings an unusual depth of expertise and 25 years of experience to his concierge patients at Life Long Personalized Medical Care. In addition to traditional internal medicine care, he offers a highly effective, medically supervised weight loss program that incorporates a personalized treatment plan, tested therapies and regular check-ins to monitor progress.

His diverse resume includes combat missions as a U.S. Naval officer during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, launch of a thriving aesthetic medicine practice in Fairfax, and internship and residency at Georgetown University School of Medicine.  All have contributed to his remarkable rapport with patients, as noted by MJ.L., who writes: "I have a medical history that has been full of surprises, and I cannot imagine having my health managed by anyone other than Dr. Long. I appreciate his rare skill of listening and allowing me to participate in the process of helping me to be healthy."

Says Specialdocs' Bonner: "The concierge model was designed to provide patients with the highest level of care and attention from a physician fully dedicated to them. We are so gratified to work with some of NOVA's best doctors who deliver on the concierge promise with every patient, at every visit."

For more information on these physicians and other outstanding concierge doctors in the northern Virginia area, visit NOVA Concierge or call 703-936-5228.

Media inquiries: please contact [email protected], 847-921-3271.

SOURCE Specialdocs Consultants