Dear Valued Patients of Dr. Bob:

I am writing to let you know that I am no longer contracted with any insurance plans (except for TriWest, the insurance for our families in the military). You may have already read my previous letter, but I want to share with you a more detailed explanation of why I have made this move.

I am changing the way that I practice medicine to reflect who I am as a person and a doctor. I want to go back to the old days when a doctor could just be a doctor and not a businessman, when patients could simply pick up their phone and call their doctor day or night, and when worried parents could see their doctor of choice right away for any concern. I want to simply be a doctor, without insurance companies casting their cloud of interference and restriction over our small town, family-oriented office.

The insurance business side of medicine just doesn't feel right to me anymore. It makes me feel like I'm not working for myself or for you, that I don't own my own practice, and that I'm working for some huge corporation or government who controls what I do. Insurance shortens the time I can spend with patients. It places restrictions on what I can do as a doctor. I can't make decisions without feeling influenced by the insurance companies. Most doctors have had to congregate into large group practices with physician's assistants and nurse practitioners. They focus on patient volume in order to thrive because the insurance industry has pushed them into a business mindset. I just can't do that. If I'm going to serve you, your children, and your grandchildren for the next few decades, I have to go in a whole new direction.

I have always been a slower-paced pediatrician. I love to sit and chat. I love to play with your kids. I love to give you the extra time you sometimes need to get your questions answered and your problems solved. I also like to think outside the box and blend a more natural, holistic approach with standard medicine. I focus on breastfeeding success, attachment parenting, safe and alternative vaccine schedules, creative approaches to infant sleep problems and toddler behavior challenges. I optimize nutritional health for families, limit the use of antibiotics and seek more natural ways to treat illnesses. That is who I am, and I know that is what you want. I feel that the only way I can continue to practice medicine this way is to make it not about business, but about families and quality care.

Since I want to continue to serve you the best way I know how, I'm asking for something in return. I'm asking you to simply pay our office for your visits, and bill your own insurance for reimbursement. I know that this idea sounds scary, but for most plans it's very simple after you've done it once. Bring your insurance company's billing form to your next appointment and we'll make sure it's filled out correctly so you don't have to hassle with it later.

I know some of you will feel the extra cost of seeking care outside of insurance doesn't always fit into your budget. Drs. Bill and Jim have been able to adjust to the insurance industry and practice medicine in a way that they have found enjoyable and satisfying and that maintains our office's high standards of personal care. They will be honored to serve you as they always have. You are welcome to see any of us at any time.

One of my patients told me she thought I was turning into one of those "concierge" or "boutique" doctors who caters to a select group of wealthy patients. I was shocked to hear this, because that type of medicine is the complete opposite of who I am (as you probably already know). If I'm catering to anyone special, it's families who want a doctor to go the extra mile for them and think outside the box. My decision has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with being the type of servant I truly wish to be. My new model of pediatrics will allow you to schedule appointments many months in advance or on the spur of the moment. If my schedule is full, I'll come in early or stay late to fit you in. When your child is sick, I'll always have room for you to see me that day. If you need medical advice over the phone directly from me instead of a staff member, I'll be there. If you need extra time at your appointment, it's yours. If you need to see me in the evening or over the weekend, I'm there for you. I'll even do an old fashioned house call if you desire. I will be there for you in virtually any way you want or need me to. You and I will decide together what your medical care should be, not a businessperson sitting behind a desk at your insurance company.

Over the years you've always put your trust in me when it comes to your child's health. I ask that you continue to trust me in this change. I know you will find my new model of service to you so much more satisfying. You should find handling your own insurance claims fairly simple once you get used to how your insurance company works. I truly value the relationship I have with each of you and look forward to continuing to serve you for years to come.

Your Servant,

Dr. Bob