I just received a remarkable notice from my primary care doc.
This guy came highly recommended by a company physician years ago, and I've been very pleased with him since becoming a patient. In the years since I've convinced numerous family members to switch to him, and they've all been pleased as well.
A few years ago he was selected and profiled as one of the "Best Doctors in Cincinnati" in a local glossy magazine and has since made the list repeatedly. We're quite friendly - he was especially intrigued by my early retirement, and talked about how difficult it'd be for him, with his med school debt and ever-lower reimbursements, etc. He said he really could have used the Best Doc's thing years ago when he was trying to grow his practice. Shortly after making the list the first time he stopped accepting new patients himself, sending then to his younger partner instead.
Well, it appears he's on his way now, because he just sent all of his patients a big envelope with a cover letter describing all the time he spends on non-reimbursed administrative activities such as completing forms for school activities, life insurance applications, sick notes for schools & employers, Rx's & refills not accompanied by a paid appointment, etc.
His solution is to have all his patients complete the enclosed application to stay with him after Jan 1, 2009, and pay an annual advance fee of $350 per person. He's encouraged patients to apply early, as room will be limited. The $350 doesn't apply to any subsequent treatments or services, it's just a flat advance annual 'membership' fee.
Seems to me the guy has found a way to capitalize on the Best Docs in Cincy publicity, rake in and extra $350 ea. annually from his deeper-pocketed patients, and ditch the high-maintenance nuisances, whether they're willing to pony up the $350 or not.
Ever heard of anything like that?
Cb
This guy came highly recommended by a company physician years ago, and I've been very pleased with him since becoming a patient. In the years since I've convinced numerous family members to switch to him, and they've all been pleased as well.
A few years ago he was selected and profiled as one of the "Best Doctors in Cincinnati" in a local glossy magazine and has since made the list repeatedly. We're quite friendly - he was especially intrigued by my early retirement, and talked about how difficult it'd be for him, with his med school debt and ever-lower reimbursements, etc. He said he really could have used the Best Doc's thing years ago when he was trying to grow his practice. Shortly after making the list the first time he stopped accepting new patients himself, sending then to his younger partner instead.
Well, it appears he's on his way now, because he just sent all of his patients a big envelope with a cover letter describing all the time he spends on non-reimbursed administrative activities such as completing forms for school activities, life insurance applications, sick notes for schools & employers, Rx's & refills not accompanied by a paid appointment, etc.
His solution is to have all his patients complete the enclosed application to stay with him after Jan 1, 2009, and pay an annual advance fee of $350 per person. He's encouraged patients to apply early, as room will be limited. The $350 doesn't apply to any subsequent treatments or services, it's just a flat advance annual 'membership' fee.
Seems to me the guy has found a way to capitalize on the Best Docs in Cincy publicity, rake in and extra $350 ea. annually from his deeper-pocketed patients, and ditch the high-maintenance nuisances, whether they're willing to pony up the $350 or not.
Ever heard of anything like that?
Cb