Concierge Medical Services

Two decades ago, Concierge Medical Services (CMS) opened its doors in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, as one of the first concierge medical practices on the East Coast.

At a time when concierge care was far from the norm, CMS proved that a model built on time, access and trust could truly make a difference. That approach has remained consistent, and its enduring presence in Pennsylvania is a testament to the trust it has earned over the years. Today, even as concierge care becomes more familiar, CMS continues to stand apart, showing that modern medicine can still be delivered with a personal touch.

A big part of that is the team. Ira Gerstman MD, and Kristina Martinez, DNP, CRNP along with medical staff Christine Brammer CMA and Melissa Gallagher CMA, have kept the practice small on purpose. With just four people and a patient panel capped at 400, the team has built a space where each person receives meaningful attention, not just for physical health, but for mental well-being and the family dynamics that often shape it.

That structure allows them to spend more time with patients, be more present in each visit, and avoid the churn that defines most clinical settings. Patients don’t go through layers of staff to get help. They call, email or text directly, day or night, and are typically scheduled the same or next day, with little to no wait.

“It’s a modern-day Marcus Welby model,” says Dr. Gerstman, referencing the iconic TV doctor known for house calls and heartfelt care. “He didn’t rush appointments. He knew your family, your fears, your story. He treated the whole person, not just the symptoms. That’s what we are bringing.”

CMS takes a partnership approach to care. Every prospective patient is required to take part in a one hour mutual interview. It’s a two-way conversation where patients get to ask questions, understand how the practice works and ensure it aligns with their expectations, while the providers take time to learn about the patient’s values, goals and approach to health.

“We make it clear from the start, this is a partnership,” says Dr. Martinez. “We want patients who take ownership of their health, just as we take responsibility for their care.”

Once a patient officially joins CMS, their first visit typically lasts about an hour. This initial appointment is a dedicated session focused on understanding the patient’s overall health, personal concerns and long-term care goals. During that time, the provider takes time to listen, ask questions and assess the full picture. Based on the conversation, the next steps may include a comprehensive physical exam or targeted testing to address immediate or emerging medical needs.

In one case, that attention to detail proved lifesaving. During a routine two-hour physical, physicians noticed a subtle but concerning rise in a longtime patient’s liver enzymes. They immediately ordered an ultrasound, which revealed liver scarring and a potential mass. It was a hepatoma, a primary liver cancer. Because it was caught early through CMS’s attentive approach, the patient received a timely liver transplant and is now four years post-op, living a whole and healthy life.

Equally powerful is the sense of connection. When patients walk through the door, they’re greeted not just by name, but with genuine familiarity, asked about their grandchildren, recent travels or how their family members are doing. The front desk recognizes their voices over the phone before they even introduce themselves. It’s a bond that runs both ways. When a team member is out for surgery or recovering from illness, patients respond with handwritten cards, personal notes and thoughtful gifts.

This is healthcare that makes time to care. Unlike conventional systems built for volume and speed, CMS offers something quietly radical, built on trust, connection and attention that can change outcomes. It’s not just a nod to the Marcus Welby ideal. It’s living proof that deeply personal, relationship-driven medicine still works.