September 18, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

Physician opens ‘botique’ practice in Chestnut Hill
by ERIN VERTREACE

There’s a new kind of doctor in town.

Dr. Marc Newman, a long-time Mt. Airy resident, introduced his unique patient-centered method of health care to Chestnut Hill this summer. Some call it “concierge” or “boutique” medicine, but Newman, who set up his new practice at 6 East Willow Grove Ave., said his membership operation will give his patients the kind of personal family care “they can’t get anywhere else.”

In order to join Newman’s practice, patients pay an annual fee of between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on age. In exchange, Newman’s patients have access to him anytime – day or night – with same day or next day appointment availability, little or no time in the waiting room and a no-rush approach to visits – all of which allows Newman to give his undivided attention to his patients as they talk to him and express their concerns. This is an important distinction, given that physicians in traditional medicine are often pressured to see as many patients as possible in a small amount of time.

The model is popular with his patients.

“I think the real advantage of Dr. Newman’s system is that it allows patients unlimited access to the doctor without feeling the need for time constraints,” said Mike Balotti, a 33-year-old Newman patient from East Falls.  “Furthermore, it allows the doctor uninterrupted time to really get to know his patients and make a connection on multiple levels.”

Because he will have a roster of only 200 patients, Newman says he can take the time to talk with his patients and explore their thoughts and views about their health and what role they think their families’ health history plays in their own well-being.

“We never know what is on people’s minds unless we ask, ” Newman said. “It’s very important to elicit people’s concerns and beliefs. Understanding the ideas and thoughts, and the role of their family in their daily lives.  All of that helps me in caring for the patient adequately.”

The sharing of this information is also beneficial to the patient. Newman recognizes that his clients are “not nearly as anxious” when they leave, as they were when they came in, and are empowered by a health plan that has been fashioned specifically for them.

“I feel very comfortable with Dr. Newman,” said Christine Shamborsky, 60, of Blue Bell.  “He is a very kind, warm physician who is concerned with treating the whole person. It’s a much more personalized system, and you don’t feel that your health is in the control of the insurance company.”

Newman believes that trust is the basis for his type of personal health service, saying that without it, “the opportunity to have a therapeutic connection will be lost.” Establishing this basis and keeping it, he added, is “one of the most important things a physician can do.”

Eliminating the nervousness and worry about going to the doctor is something Newman has tried to do, not only in how he runs his practice, but also in the way he designed the office itself. He wanted the patient to feel welcome and cared for when they came in the door.

“I don’t think that’s the feeling people have when they go to the doctor,” Newman said. The goal is to make the atmosphere friendly “so people actually feel good about going to the doctor.”

Newman said Chestnut Hill was a good location for his office.

“I live in Mt. Airy, so it’s very convenient,” he said. “I view Chestnut Hill as part of my home.”

He also appreciates the Hill’s close-knit character, and believes his office can fill a need in the neighborhood.

“There are very few communities left like Chestnut Hill,” he said.

In his 21 years as a physician, Newman has seen lots of changes in the medical field. “There’s a lot more administrative red tape and paper work that’s required to help people,” he said.

He also noted the “stunting authority of the doctor” and the shrinking number of primary physicians, as more medical students eschew becoming primary health care physicians for a career in specialized medicine to pay student loans.

“Specialists are paid to do procedures, very handsomely at that.” he said,  “The salary difference in a career in primary care will not help them repay their debts.”

Newman’s relationship with his clients is about more than helping them feel better.

“I see my role as empowering patients.” he said, adding that “the unusual personal service people receive, using the personal relationship as a basis for caring for them” is what sets his practice apart from the norm. 

It’s a relationship that his patients believe is worth the price.

When asked if she would recommend Dr. Newman’s practice to other patients, Leonie Finkel, 57, of East Falls replied, “Yes I would, if you can afford it.” 

“It’s probably the best that U.S. medicine offers,” she said. “I work as an administrative assistant, so I’m not a rich person, but it mattered so much to me that I was willing to come up with the money upfront.”

For more information contact Dr. Newman at 215-247-4732 or visit www.personalfamilycare.com.

Contact Erin Vertreace at 215-248-8819 or erin@chestnuthilllocal.com

Staff intern Maria Allegretto contributed to this report.