Allowing for differences in personalities and personal inclination, physicians have not necessarily been known as persons of patience, having and enjoying the time to sit down, communicate with their clients as individuals and unique beings.

With the advent of “managed care”, where a third party takes 40 to 45 (!!) cents of each health care dollar “off the top”, pays physicians less, charges patients greater co-pays while providing less services so as to maximize corporate profits, this problem has escalated.

A typical physician encounter usually lasts less than 10 minutes, frequently with the patient disrobed and in a flimsy gown as the health care provider rushes in, does the exam, talks at (not with) the patient and rushes out, handing the patient a prescription or two. The queries “What are your concerns… ?” and “Have I answered your questions?” are rarely included in the encounter

Patients are usually “booked” 3-to-6 per hour. Most health care providers shudder when the patient on their schedule is listed as “Hormone Replacement Therapy”, “PMS”, “Menopause questions”, “Urinary problems”, “Sexual issues”, etc., knowing that this involved time that they do not have to spare. Time to carefully and sensitively address concerns related to body changes, sexual and hormonal issues and the pros and cons of different alternatives is simply not available.

The idea for this practice was born out of this real and unmet need for knowledgeable personalized assistance in a relaxed and respectful atmosphere.

With Time for You

Dr. Goodman sees one patient at a time in his practice, routinely setting aside 45-60 minutes for new patients and 20-40 minutes for return consultation.  *****(If insurance will be paying for the visit, somewhat less time will be available, due to insurance company policies that do not reimburse for the longer visits; however, patients may book as much time as desired, pay “fee-for-service,” and then send the bill to their insurer for their re-imbursement)

Dr. Goodman will listen, offer guidance, selections, alternatives, pros and cons, options and opinions borne out of his over 35 years of medical practice experience and education and training in menopausal issues, urogynecological issues, sexual issues, PMS Therapy, osteoporosis screening, gyn surgery, infertility treatments, and ultrasound evaluations.

Dr. Goodman considers his practice to be an integrative approach utilizing both traditional and alternative therapies. Full diagnostic (including laboratory) evaluations will be performed as needed or desired.  All ultrasound (of pelvic organs) is performed on the spot by Dr. Goodman and explained as the evaluation progresses.

Dr. Goodman’s Philosophy

Dr. Goodman went into the practice of medicine to help, “to heal”, to BE OF USE. He has learned and practiced the art and science of medicine (specifically OB-GYN) for more than 35 years.

Dr. Goodman welcomes women in all areas of his gynecology practice. He enjoys and am experienced in helping to maintain and enhance wellness, as well as explaining and sorting out the causes of problems and involving his patients in the therapeutic decision-making process.

Dr. Goodman is pleased to include patients suffering from menstrual irregularities, PCOS, PMS, hormonal issues, pelvic support/incontinence problems and vaginal aesthetic issues and, if applicable, to do the most careful, knowledgable and up-to-date surgical procedure available.

The years before, during, and just after menopause are a time of passage for women, as well as their partners.

Dr. Goodman pledges to:

**Provide knowledgeable assistance with this transition.

**Integrate traditional and alternative therapies to maintain peri-and post-menopausal wellness. He encourages communication in the difficult and often embarrassing areas of PMS, sexuality issues, urinary incontinence, and vulvar pain and irritation. He welcomes inclusion of his patient’s partner in consultation and therapeutic decision making.

**See one patient at a time, providing adequate time for consultation, communication, and teaching in a comfortable, and unhurried environment.

**Provide a knowledgeable “second opinion” to enable informed decision making in the areas of gynecologic surgery and infertility options and therapy.

**Provide reliable and affordable pelvic ultrasound examinations of the ovaries to aid in the early detection of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is scary because it is so silent and insidious; it is unfortunate that most health plans do not cover routine diagnostic ultrasound, the best method for early detection of ovarian cancer.

**Provide accurate, reproducible and affordable bone density measurements in a comfortable and efficient setting.

Dr. Goodman’s Feelings About Women

Dr. Goodman’s Fees

Dr. Goodman is no longer accepting “Insurance” as primary payment for his services, as in this world of “assembly-line medicine,” insurance companies pay “independent” practitioners only ½ to 1/3 (!) the amount that the big healthcare franchises (Sutter, etc…) receive. This reimbursement only covers 25 minutes of time for a new visit, and only 15-20 minutes for return visits, not nearly enough time to do the kind of work for which that patients seek individualized care.

You will be required to pay for your visit (cash, check, CC) at time of service, but you will receive an itemized “Superbill” that you may send to your insurer for your reimbursement, as specified by your individual policy. Dr. Goodman is savvy regarding insurance reimbursements, and will structure the Superbill so as to maximize your reimbursement.

If financial realities make it difficult to see Dr. Goodman for your personalized care, after the initial visit Dr. Goodman will discount service price to selected patients. Discuss this with the Office Manager if appropriate. If you are in a managed care plan, Dr. Goodman will work out an individualized treatment plan that you can then take to your “in-network” provider for ongoing care.

Dr. Goodman’s fees are approximately the same as you would pay if seeking consultation from an experienced specialty attorney “at the top of his/her game…” (e.g. a Family Law attorney.) Surely your health and personal comfort are worth as much as legal counsel!

Office Policies Regarding Cancelled/Rescheduled Appointments

New Patients:
You will be notified of your appointment 2-4 days prior to your visit. No-show appointments and appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 48 hours notice will be subject to a fee of 50% of fee for the time set aside (e.g. if you have asked for 1 hour, you will be charged 50% or $200). Re-scheduled appointments less than 48 hours prior will be subject to a 30% fee.

Returning Patients:
Patients of Dr. Goodman’s will be given a “grace” of one no show or limited notice cancellation/reschedule per year. However, all recurrent cancellation/reschedules with less than 48 hours notice will be subject to a $50.00 fee.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Dr. Goodman blocks considerable amounts of time for his appointments; late notice cancellations and rescheduled appointments, or no-shows leave open time that could have been offered to other patients. Please be advised that there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.