I have been a patient of Dr. Laufer's for several years. He is an excellent doctor and takes time to listen. Each year during Medicare open enrollment, one of my criteria is that he is on their list of providers.\r
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Today I called to make an appointment because my ""cold"" has lasted 3 weeks and my throat is feeling like the beginning of strep. I was told he is no longer at that location.\r
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I called my HMO and was told he is not contracted with them at the new location. I have to choose a new PCP and cannot see a doctor until after April 1 - unless I want to go to Urgent Care or an ER. My PCP Co-pay is $0 - UC is $25 - ER is $75. I have $6 to last 5 days until I get my Social Security check.\r
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I feel that the office should have notified Dr. Laufer's patients that he was no longer there. I would then have had the opportunity to choose a new PCP before I needed one.
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