What is a Private Medical Consultant?

Why would I need a Private Medical Consultant when I
already have a primary care doctor?

Why is there a need for this kind of service?

If I see one of your doctors would I still see my regular doctor?

How are you different than a patient advocate?

Will my regular doctors get upset if I tell them that I am seeing you
or bring you to one of my office visits?

Can you help me if I don't live in Maryland?

Do you accept insurance?

Are your services affordable?

Do you take credit cards?

How do I get started?

What is a Private Medical Consultant?
As a Private Medical Consultant, I am not constrained by rushed office visits or insurance company restrictions -- I am available to you as much, or as little, as you need me. I am even able to accompany you to important doctor visits if you'd like. I have devoted my practice to helping people navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, and I will guide, educate and support you in your quest for health and wellness.

Why would I need a Private Medical Consultant when I already
have a primary care doctor?
Your primary care doctor can handle most of your medical needs, but if you have a significant health concern you may want more from your doctor than he or she is able to give. For example, you may have printed information from the internet that you would like to discuss in depth. You may have many questions or an important medical decision to make that requires an extended conversation. Or you may wish to have a physician accompany you to specialist visits to help you make sense of the doctor’s explanations. Most primary care physicians wish that they could offer you such specialized attention, but they simply don’t have enough time.

Why is there a need for this kind of service?
Our healthcare system is in crisis. Insurance companies (including Medicare) pay physicians less for their services than they used to even as the cost of malpractice insurance is skyrocketing. To compensate for their decreased revenue (and pay off their enormous educational debt), most physicians are forced to see more patients per day than their predecessors did. Many modern physicians see 30-40 patients per day. The average office visit is only 11 minutes long, which doesn’t leave much time for in-depth discussions. Physicians are also saddled with copious paperwork mandated by insurance companies. This leaves them less time to look up the newest treatments for each patient, research appropriate clinical trials, or perform other time consuming “extras” that they would gladly offer you if only they had the time. In short, the system is making it harder for physicians to provide exceptional care and many patients are feeling the need to advocate for themselves.

If I see you would I still see my regular doctors?
Absolutely. I do not replace the care that you are currently receiving from your primary care doctor and specialists, I add to it.  I am committed to supporting, not interfering with, your doctor-patient relationships.

How are you different than a patient advocate?
There are many types of patient advocates, although most of them are not physicians. They are often case managers, social workers or nurses. There is no standard definition of a patient advocate, although generally they assist you with some aspect of your healthcare experience. Some non-physician patient advocates accompany you to doctor visits to take notes and help you remember what the doctor said. They may also make your appointments, schedule tests for you or speak with your insurance company on your behalf. Since I am a physician, I focus on the medical, rather than the convenience, aspects of advocacy.

Will my regular doctors get upset if I tell them that I am seeing you
or bring you to one of my office visits?
I believe strongly in the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and wouldn’t want to do anything to impair your relationship with your doctors. Most doctors will be supportive of your decision to use my services.  If you prefer, I can do all of my work, such as educating you about your illness, helping you make medical decisions and helping you choose alternative therapies, "behind the scenes."

Can you help me if I don't live in Maryland?
Absolutely.  I have specific services that are targeted to out-of-state patients. Some patients choose to travel to Maryland to see me, in order to take full advantage of my advocacy program, but that is not a requirement for using my services.  

Do you accept insurance?
No, I do not accept any insurance. This allows me to avoid insurance company rules and time constraints and spend as much time with you as you’d like me to. 

Are your services affordable?
I understand that financial issues can be stressful. My first concern is your health and wellness and I am happy to adjust my services to fit within most budgets. I do not charge for simple phone calls or emails -- I want you to feel comfortable contacting me. This work is my passion. You aren't just hiring a doctor, you are hiring a caring and knowledgeable guide to walk beside you on your journey to health. Please email or call me for specific rates.