Tuesday, May 15, 2012

It was my last VISIT!

I posted this on the new blog too. But, I don't how many have changed over there and so because this is rather HUGE. I'm posting here too. 

Didn't know the last time I saw my oncologist it was going to be my last visit with him. I got this letter today:

May 14, 2012

To my dear patients,

During my 30 years of service to our community, I have been fortunate to care for thousands of patients. I am deeply committed to each and every one of you, as well as developing solutions to deliver better cancer care. It is with mixed emotions that I announce a move away from private practice in order to apply my medical training and clinical expertise in areas of science that have the potential to further my passion for "personalized medicine" for patients with cancer.

The privilege of working on behalf of my patients for years ahs been one of life's greatest gifts. I twas a very difficult decision to move away from private practice and close Newport Pacific Medical Associates. Caring for my patients has been the main focus of my everyday existence for a very long time, however, just as I have instructed many of you to give yourself permission to pursue those dreams that are most critical to your being;I must now heed my own advice. I pray that you will understand.

I am committed to transitioning each of you to a practitioner qualified to manage your medical condition. Enclosed please find a referral list and a recommended protocol for initiating your transition of care to one of several qualified physician practices in the area. Please contact the practitioner of your choice, either from the list provided or through another source and confirm an appointment with that physician. We will transfer your medical records upon confirmation and your written authorization to release.

Until Newport Medical Associates officially closes on June 15th, 2012, I will continue to see the most seriously ill patients to guide their safe transition, as well as those of you requiring hospitalization. I will no longer be seeing patients for routine follow-up appointments.

Please know that I cherish the relationships I have shared with each of you and your families. I wish you continued love, faith and hope.

Respectfully,

Neil M Barth MD FACP

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And so my cerebral warrior has chosen to take on another battle. I think he has fought long enough on the front lines. He can only see us one at a time. But, by choosing this new battle he will be fighting for many.

5 comments:

  1. I don't understand. I got this letter--are you criticizing Doctor Barth? I got a referral list but I can't decide who to see --I need a hematologist, but the list is mostly Oncologists.

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    1. I didn't write anything to imply critism. And no,

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  2. My Dad was seeing Dr. Barth as well until he received this same letter. He now sees Dr. Tran at OCOH in Irvine. He saved my Dad from near death on this last return of cancer. In would recommend him.

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    Replies
    1. I am now seeing dr Rojas. I am very pleased with her.

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  3. http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/05/smallbusiness/doctors_broke/index.htm?iid=EL

    ReplyDelete