Replies

Oh .. I’m so sorry, Ms B. By all means,
do your homework .. make that doc give
it all up .. the company, the model .. all
of it. We have to be our own research
and analysis team these days. And God knows
what obamacare will be like in the future.

Prayers sure sent up for a skilled medical
team and best choices for great relief and
healing. God bless you.

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Ob-Gyn Practice Closes, 5K Left Stranded
Practice Will Remain Open While Staff Notifies Patients
UPDATED: 7:53 pm EDT June 18, 2010
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More than 5,000 patients are looking for a new ob-gyn practice after one suddenly closes its doors in Norwich.

The sudden decision to close Norwich Ob-Gyn on Otrobondo Avenue was a personal one and financial reality for Dr. John Bowdin. On Friday, his staff was busy notifying all the patients of the decision.

“I’m nervous. It’s scary being 16 weeks pregnant and not having an ob-gyn,” said Nicole Rechney.

The reason for the closure, according to Bowdin, was that the numbers weren’t adding up. The insurance payments from the state patients, and the lack of insured patients didn’t add up.

Bowdin said, “We had to shut down until we find out from the state health department and ethics what we should do.”

In practice for 40 years, Bowdin said some of his employees have already found jobs and his patients are connecting with other ob-gyns in the area.

Worried patients like Megan Carlson don’t know what to do. “I’m just so upset,” said Carlson. “I can’t believe they didn’t call. I came to get medical records. It’s awful.”

As the phone calls go out with the unsettling news, patients with critical care needs were being advised to head to the nearest emergency room.

Norwich Ob-Gyn will remain open for the next several weeks while the staff makes sure patients are aware of the closure and able to find proper care.

http://www.wfsb.com/health/23958416/detail.html

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Medicare changes hit close to home
Dr. Gary Berliner
May 25, 2010

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Some patients forced to find different doctors
by Sudie Crouch

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Bill McClellan of Dawsonville went to his doctor last week for a follow up about some cancerous cells he had previously had removed. What he saw posted in the window shocked him more than any diagnosis ever could. A note was hanging, advising the patients of Dr. Gary Berliner that, due to current changes in Medicare, Berliner’s Chestatee Emergent Medical Care center would no longer see Medicare patients effective June 1.

The notice read: “As of June 1, 2010, Medicare reimbursement will be cut by another 21.5 percent, which will necessitate our office no longer accepting this program coverage.

If Medicaid and Tricare follow these proposed Medicare cuts in reimbursement, then we will be forced to discontinue their coverage as well. However, we will continue to see all patients on a self-pay basis.”

The decision to no longer accept Medicare has been one wrought with emotion for both patient and doctor.

http://www.dawsonadvertiser.com/articles/2010/05/27/news/news05.txt

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Friday, June 9, 2000
Frustrated doctors are leaving medicine behind
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2000/06/12/story8.html