We want to be transparent with you about an important issue affecting access to care: Medicare Advantage (also called Medicare Part C) plans.

While these plans are heavily marketed and may appear similar to traditional Medicare, they function very differently. Most Medicare Advantage plans are managed-care products (often HMOs or PPOs) run by private insurance companies. These plans place significant restrictions on where patients can receive care and how physicians are allowed to practice medicine. These insurance companies contract out to 3rd parties who determine whether many tests or medications should be covered, often over-riding the wishes of your physician who knows you best. While we are often able to get them to change their minds, the delays in patient care can be problematic as can the wasteful time we spend on this.  

While we are still able to accept Medicare Advantage PPO plans, our practice cannot accept Medicare Advantage HMO plans. These are highly-restricted plans that require your In-Network Internist to function as a gatekeeper for all referrals, testing and medications. Since we are not Medicare providers, we cannot be that gatekeeper.  

We feel strongly that traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies remain your best option to receive the highest quality of care.  

If you are currently considering switching plans, we hope you now understand how that choice could affect your ability to obtain timely, physician-driven care.   

We are happy to discuss your individual situation and answer any questions you may have before you make coverage changes. Feel free to give us a call.

We enjoy taking care of you and want to ensure your communications are handled with the highest level of privacy and timeliness! Because of this, we request that you do not text or email us as these methods of communication do not comply with Healthcare Privacy laws. In addition, since personal cell phones are not monitored during the workday to limit distractions, a text message may not be seen by your physician for 12 hours or more.

 

We want to be available for you when you need us, so please use MyChart or, if you prefer not to use the patient portal, simply call the office. This ensures your message is documented and seen promptly. 

 

For urgent medical concerns after hours or on weekends, please call the office and follow the prompt to be connected directly to the physician on call. If the on-call physician is unable to answer right at that moment, please be sure to leave a message so the physician can return your call as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

If you’ve ever called our office, checked in for an appointment, or needed help navigating a question, chances are you’ve been greeted by Marsha’s warm voice and welcoming smile. Marsha has been the friendly, helpful, and highly-competent heart of our front desk for almost 20 years, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as such a steady presence in our practice.

 

A St. Louis native, Marsha graduated from Lafayette High School and has deep roots in the community we serve. She’s been married to her husband, Larry, for 35 years, and together they’ve raised two wonderful children—a son and a daughter who are now grown. Their family also includes a beloved 4-year-old schnoodle named Lainie, who keeps Marsha busy (and entertained) at home.

 

Outside the office, Marsha enjoys staying active with regular exercise, spending time playing cards with friends, and, of course, playing with Lainie. Her kindness, reliability, and attention to detail make a difference every single day for our patients and our team.

 

We’re grateful for Marsha’s dedication and the many ways she helps make our office feel like a welcoming place for everyone.