Not surprisingly, one of the first things people ask a doctor they are considering is: "Do you take insurance?"
Yes, most insurance policies cover my services, and you'll be happy to know that I operate with them as an “out-of-network” provider (as opposed to a “participating” provider). Why will you be happy to know this, even though perhaps reimbursement may be lower compared to a contracted provider?
The reason I’ve chosen not to be a participating provider is that insurance companies tend to exert a lot of power over healthcare practitioners (or at least us non-specialist family-practice doctors), which unfortunately can be antagonistic. Their reimbursement contracts generally incent shorter visits, instead of visits aimed at full histories and patient education. This is why visits with conventional physicians average only 5-10 minutes – most have chosen a quantity strategy to keep their doors open and serving you.
I've chosen a quality strategy, because I’d like to treat you, not your insurance company. This route helps me keep my patients' health interests at the forefront of my mind, rather than their insurance company’s rules.