Redesigning Healthcare from the Inside Out: How Concierge Models are Gaining Traction with Providers and Patients

As the U.S. healthcare system grapples with challenges like provider burnout, fragmented care, and rising patient dissatisfaction, alternative models are gaining traction. One such model is concierge medicine, which offers personalized, preventive care through membership-based services. 

In 2024, the U.S. concierge medicine market was valued at $7.25 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.36% from 2025 to 2034, reaching $19.36 billion by 2034.

Despite 92% of Americans having health insurance in 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau), many still face barriers to high-quality care, including long wait times, limited appointment access, and high out-of-pocket costs. These challenges are prompting both patients and providers to seek new models that offer more time, flexibility, and connection.

Dr. Sarah Crawford, PT, DPT, COMT, CMTPT, CPI, is at the forefront of this shift. As the founder of Anchor Wellness Center and Wave Physical Therapy & Pilates in Cincinnati, Ohio she has developed a collaborative care model that combines clinical excellence with entrepreneurial empowerment. Under her guidance, independent providers within the Anchor network have seen an average 30% increase in revenue, while clients report higher satisfaction and more consistent outcomes due to the integrated, root-cause-focused approach to care.

In this Q&A, Dr. Crawford shares how the concierge model is reshaping the patient experience, the business case for integrating diverse disciplines under one roof, and what it really takes to build a sustainable, values-driven practice in today’s evolving healthcare environment.

1. What led you to choose a concierge medicine model for Anchor Wellness?

When I founded Anchor Wellness, my primary focus was to create a space where both providers and clients could thrive outside the constraints of traditional healthcare systems. The concierge medicine model allows me to offer patients a personalized and integrated approach to their care, prioritizing what’s best for them, not what insurance deems necessary. For me, it’s about giving our clients direct access to the highest quality care and empowering the professionals who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. This model has allowed us to build a community of providers who are aligned in our mission to provide holistic, root-cause solutions to wellness, free from the limitations of traditional insurance-driven care.

2. How does the collaborative care model at Anchor Wellness enhance the patient experience compared to traditional healthcare settings?

At Anchor Wellness, our collaborative care model is what really sets us apart. It’s not just about one provider or one treatment plan. It’s about a team of passionate, highly trained professionals coming together to support the full spectrum of a client’s health. From physical therapy to nutrition counseling, massage therapy, and mental health support, every practitioner works hand in hand to address the root causes of a client’s concerns. Unlike traditional healthcare, where care can often feel fragmented or limited, we offer a truly holistic, integrated experience where clients receive personalized care tailored to their needs. This model allows us to build stronger client relationships and achieve more sustainable outcomes.

3. In what ways does Anchor Wellness support independent practitioners in building and growing their own practices within your collaborative model?

One of the core values of Anchor Wellness is supporting the growth of independent wellness professionals. I’ve always believed that health and wellness practitioners should have the freedom to run their own businesses while being part of a larger community. Through our collaborative model, we provide mentorship, group coaching, and individualized business strategy sessions to help practitioners thrive. We’ve worked closely with over 25 small business owners and seen firsthand how our approach helps them grow their practices by 30 percent year over year. It’s incredibly rewarding to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed both professionally and financially while delivering exceptional care to their clients.

4. How does integrating diverse providers—like physical therapists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals—support the business strategy and long-term growth of Anchor Wellness?

Integrating diverse providers is a key element in our business strategy and long-term growth. When I started Anchor Wellness, my goal was to create an ecosystem where different types of wellness professionals could work together in harmony, offering clients a more comprehensive and holistic approach to their care. Having experts from various fields like physical therapy, nutrition, mental health, and fitness under one roof allows us to address all aspects of a person’s health, leading to better outcomes and higher client retention. It also makes us more adaptable as a business. As the wellness space continues to evolve, our diverse team ensures we can meet the changing needs of our clients, providing services that are both relevant and impactful.

5. What are some of the operational or cultural challenges in building a collaborative practice, and how have you addressed them?

Building a collaborative practice like Anchor Wellness comes with its share of challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing the business and cultural aspects. Early in my journey, I had to make some tough decisions, including letting go of a close friend who didn’t align with the values I was building at Anchor. It was a painful decision, but it taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of maintaining a strong, aligned team. Over the years, I’ve focused on creating a culture of open communication, mutual respect, and shared purpose. We prioritize collaboration over competition, and I make sure that every member of our team is committed to our mission of providing high-quality, personalized care. What makes our model unique is that our business owners operate independently. They aren’t employees, which means they have full autonomy in how they run their practices. While this creates a dynamic environment, it also means we don’t have direct control over the final product. As a result, bringing the right providers and businesses into our network takes a great deal of due diligence. Ensuring alignment with our values, standards, and commitment to care is essential. That cultural foundation, paired with thoughtful vetting and trust in our partners, continues to be the key to our continued success.

6. As healthcare continues to evolve, how is Anchor Wellness positioning itself for sustainable growth and differentiation in the concierge medicine space?

We are constantly evolving to stay ahead of changes in the healthcare landscape. What sets us apart in the concierge medicine space is our unwavering commitment to providing holistic care that focuses on long-term wellness, not just symptom management. By offering a wide range of services that are integrated and personalized, we are able to address the root causes of health issues and help our clients live healthier, more independent lives. As the healthcare industry continues to shift, we recognize that staying ahead of the curve means more than just adapting. It requires anticipating the emerging challenges and proactively designing solutions. We are focused on tackling issues like provider burnout and the rising cost of care, while also responding to the growing demand for digital MSK and wellness services. This means developing bundled care models that meet clients where they are and creating a system that not only supports patients but also inspires providers to be part of a forward-thinking, sustainable care model. Moving forward, we are scaling our approach to reach more people while maintaining the high standards of care our clients expect. We’ll continue to empower both our clients and providers, ensuring that Anchor Wellness remains a leader in concierge and integrative health by not just responding to the healthcare landscape but by actively shaping its future.