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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
ReplyDeleteI didn't write anything to imply critism. And no,
DeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteI am now seeing dr Rojas. I am very pleased with her.
Deletehttp://money.cnn.com/2012/01/05/smallbusiness/doctors_broke/index.htm?iid=EL
ReplyDelete