"Why don't I join HMO plans?"

I am often asked, "When am I going to join a plan which is offered at work?" by many of my patients. My response is "You wouldn't like me on those plans." My patients need to realize that I am a solo practitioner. I see patients one at a time. I take my histories by pen and ink. I talk to every patient after every visit, no matter how trivial, dressed again in the consultation room. I do not have nurse clinicians and "Physician extenders" doing much of the work that I feel you come to see the doctor for. We do not have a ten page intake history form that is simply scanned into a computer. We do not have the phone answering system of "Press 1 for appointments, Press 2 for insurance...". We do not have a videotape library in the waiting room. If you have a problem, I sit with you and explain for as long as I need to be sure that you understand the nuances of your particular diagnosis and treatment plan.

Managed care medicine in Ob/Gyn is a commitment to VOLUME. Out of financial necessity, more people need to come through the door. This is why they use "Physician extenders" in the form of videotape libraries, nurse clinicians, pamphlets, and nutritionists, and all types of paramedical assistance to make the patient feel that the visit has been worthwhile and productive although the time spent with the physician him or herself is incredibly short. I choose not to practice medicine that way. I urge you to attempt maintain a Point of Service Option in any plan that you may be offered. With a Point of Service Option we can attempt to work with you and your insurance so that you can continue to see me "out of network".

Our information sheets are designed to inform our patients. If you do not see a topic but wish to have information on the topic, please let the staff or the doctor know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

©2004 Steven R. Goldstein, M.D.