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Paradoxically, at a time when New Yorkers are finding it increasingly challenging to find primary- and specialty-care doctors, an increasing number of physicians are choosing practice models that make them less available.

In cities large and small, New York physicians are adopting an alternative practice model known as concierge medicine. The concierge model requires that patients pay annual fees beyond the cost of their health insurance, whether commercial or Medicare, in order to be included among the practice’s patients.

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A doctor moving to a concierge practice will reduce the number of patients they see by about 65% to 75%, further worsening New York’s physician shortage. This dilemma is an especially pressing one for........

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