05/08/2020
Dear Colleague,
A friend inquired, “Dr. Patel, did you hang up your boots?”
No, I am still kicking. Why do I continue to serve the patients despite onerous paperwork, increasing overhead, and declining reimbursement?
Feedbacks like this keep me going: On Friday, 02/12/2016, a mom asked me while I was examining the child, “Dr. Patel I gave a letter to your secretary.” I asked with trepidation, “What kind of letter?” I feared a nasty letter of complaints.
The letter touched my heart because it described me as “an angel in disguise.” Appreciation from patients keeps me going. Just like most providers, I receive compliments from many patients. You may check out a couple of videos if you have time.
At my previous location on Elizabeth Street, I practiced for eons: I lost my substantial hair, and the remaining hair turned gray during my 30 years of practice there. A few years ago, a patient remarked, "I've been coming to him for a quarter of a century. I guess he's doing something right." I got his point that I was becoming ancient.
Recently, I moved to 540 E Abriendo Ave. Suite D, Pueblo, Co 81004, next door to the Original Passkey Restaurant.
The move did not cause unstable angina, STEMI or NSTEMI. With my employees’ help, I discarded lots of old baggage; they packed items compactly and neatly for movers. We moved over the weekend and started helping the patients on the following Tuesday.
By the way, after we moved, within a short time the calamity struck, COVID-19 pandemic erupted. After the initial shock, we decided to help our patients with telemedicine. I hesitated because I felt I would not be able to help the patients with telemedicine.
Surprise! Surprise! Patients are appreciating telemedicine and most of them are finding relief with the recommendations made on the video. Very satisfying.
Thank you.
Respectfully,
Ashok Patel, MD
