Howard Magazine Best Medical Providers for 2008

Howard Magazine (formerly Columbia Magazine) recently published its Best of Howard '08 survey results. Here are their winners in medical fields, along with some of my own comments.

Best Dental Practice: Dobbin Dental
Honorable mention: Dr. David Halpern, Katkow Dentistry, Alan Epstein & Associates, Dr. Bill DeLong

My comment: I'm sure these are fine practitioners, but I've never used them. I've been very pleased with the dentists we've used for a number of years. I go to the Roschella & Zinger Dental Group, which moved last year to new offices in Marriottsville. I have been very happy with Dr. Zinger and the staff. Similarly, for many years my daughter has gone to Dr. Casey Crafton at Crafton Dental in Columbia and we've been delighted with his whole office's service and style.

Best Pediatric Practice: Kenneth Klebanow & Associates
Honorable mention: Parnes, May & Associates, Dr. Aruna Khurana, Pediatric Center

My comment: I fully concur with the choice of Kenneth Klebanow & Associates in Columbia. We've been taking our daughter to Dr. Marinelli at that practice since she (our daughter) was a baby. They've always been responsive to our occasional medical worries and small emergencies, and they even get all those school health forms done on time.

Best Ob/Gyn Practice: Drs. Esposito, Mayer, Hogan & Associates
Honorable mentions: Capital Women's Care, The Women's Ob-Gyn Group, Dr. Jeri Shuster

My comment: I don't really have one...

These were the only three categories listed. No general practitioners or other medical services were included in this survey, but perhaps they were covered separately by the magazine. If I find out, I will let you know.

For more results from this survey, see also Howard Magazine's Best Foodie Places for 2008.

Dr. Milles & MDVIP

I've been using Dr. Gary Milles (infrequently, knock on wood) as my local doctor for nearly 15 years. He came well recommended and also was featured in magazines as one of the county's best. He has proven to be that -- a kind, caring and reassuring doctor. Clearly, though, he's also been wrestling with the business side of running a practice, first with partners and lately on his own.

I recently learned he's changing his practice to join the MDVIP model. MDVIP is a national network (and marketing organization) for physicians focusing on preventive and personalized healthcare. Under this model, Dr. Milles will charge an annual $1,500 "subscription" that gives guaranteed access to a smaller roster of patients. In fact, he's cutting his patient roster from around 1,800 down closer to 500. For those 500 or so, Dr. Milles will offer expanded care and services. For the 1,300 that opt out, Dr. Milles says he will provide referrals to other reliable local doctors. We'll see.

I expect I'll be one of the 1,300. I don't begrudge Dr. Milles an opportunity to make a healthier income or run a less stressful practice. He's a very good doctor and has earned the right to charge a premium. He blames the insurance companies for forcing an ever-increasing workload on general practitioners everywhere. Maybe he's right. I'm sure from his perspective he sees little choice.

I think it's a shame our nation's healthcare industry is forcing this choice upon doctors and patients. It's symptomatic of a broken system. Both the presidential candidates talk about addressing our nation's healthcare problems, but I doubt it's something that can be fixed quickly or easily. I hold out hope that one will be better at it than the other, but I also hope I don't get sick in the meantime.