PATIENT COMMENTS / OPINIONS


I applaud Dr. Warshaw for his decision.  I have no doubt that this will greatly increase the quality of care his patients receive.  I also congratulate him for not settling for the current state of healthcare.  He is on the forefront of what I hope will someday soon be a revolution in healthcare.  I highly encourage you to sign on to his practice ASAP.  What he is offering is, in addition to better health, piece of mind in knowing you have the attention of your doctor whenever and wherever you need it.  That, to me, is priceless.

Rachel - Email To Her Parents

I found the article "Doctor Eschews Insurance, Launches Concierge Practice" (Oct. 13) about Dr. Joel Warshaw's concierge practice quite interesting. It is somewhat ironic how health care has changed so drastically over the past 50 years or so, yet now we are seeing a "throwback to the old days" with some doctors opting for a concierge practice.

More time with your doctor during visits, a more personal relationship with your doctor, home visits, 24-hour access if necessary -- these are all positive steps in health-care quality. Paying more than $1,000 a year for these services may not be for everyone, but no one ever said that each person's health-care solution should be exactly the same.

Increased governmental involvement in health care has been helpful to many people, especially the elderly and the medically indigent. However, at the same time there has been a significant increase in administrative costs, both for the physicians and those paying for the care. This type of concierge service is just one of the private solutions that can be used to combat the health-care problems we are facing.

In addition to increasing quality, there must also be an increase in access and a decrease in costs. Some other private solutions that could help include telephone consultation services with doctors to reduce costs in some cases and more walk-in retail clinics to improve access and convenience.

We should be looking for ways to improve health care without relying totally on the government.

MATTHEW CAROTHERS
Oakland
The writer is a student in the Health Law Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Letters to the editor - October 23, 2007

 ...You have helped me through SO much over the years.  ...You truly are the most passionate doctor I've had the privilege to be treated by....

Gina - Email from Patient

We've given this a lot of thought, and we both think that your new concierge-style practice is an interesting and attractive alternative to traditional-style primary care practices, and we'd like to be part of it.  ...

Email from Interested Couple

Over the years the care you provided me has been valued and respected.  You've impressed me from day one and continue to do so.  Your empathy, concern, respect and personality are unique and difficult to find in a Doctor today. 

Jodi - Email from Patient

I think it is fabulous what you are doing with your Premier Personal Healthcare model.   And I applaud you for being ahead of the curve.  The insurance industry has skewed the delivery of health care and taken it hostage.  We need more people like you to take a stand to practice the way they feel is in their patients best interest.  Patients will pay for customer service because it is something to value and there is so little out there today.  Good luck to you, I know you will be successful and fully satisfied professionally.

Betty Jo - Email

Best wishes in starting your new practice.  It takes a serious commitment to high level client service to opt out of what sometimes seems to be the "fast food" service model employed by many service based companies in today's society.  I think you're on to a very good idea here, and I respect what you're doing.

Email from Interested Patient

...in the end, what you are offering wins out for me. I don't like feeling rushed at the office. I know there are others waiting to see the doctor and there have been times where I haven't mentioned something else that was bothering me. So, what you are offering seems ideal!

Email from Patient


Dr. Warshaw,
This is a thank you for the excellent experience (my wife) had with you and your new practice this week. From the moment Jill offered to hang up our coats through the conversations with your assistant and yourself, (my wife) felt much more comfortable and at ease than even I thought would be possible. She said afterwards that it felt more like going into a friend's home than going into a typical medical setting....Your new practice speaks directly to the difference between seeing a doctor and seeing a Physician.

With great appreciation,
NT

Email from Patient