Concierge Medicine: Correspondence and Insights

Elite Medical Practices

We appreciate The Post for spotlighting the rise of concierge medicine, a troubling development in New York City and nationwide (“It’s club med-icine,” Feb. 14).

Medicare was established to guarantee equal access to healthcare for older Americans and those covered. The substantial 25% reduction in Medicare physician compensation in recent years has probably prompted numerous doctors to transition to concierge practices.

Workers who benefit from commercial health insurance as part of their pay package also expect reasonable access to healthcare. However, with the shift to concierge practices, many doctors abandon two-thirds or more of their patients, further exacerbating the primary-care access crisis. To maintain fairness, practitioners operating concierge models should be prohibited from participating in or billing Medicare and commercial insurance.

Barry B. Perlman, MD, Manhattan

Flight Fears

Last week’s news started with the alarming sight of a plane inverted on a frozen Toronto runway (“Delta ‘flip’ crew kudos,” Feb. 20).

The second segment was even more unsettling: President Trump had terminated several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees, including numerous aviation mechanics.

If I wasn’t already anxious about flying, I’m now utterly terrified.

Bob Ory, Chicago, Ill.

Diabetes Dilemma

Prohibiting soda purchases with food stamps is a long-overdue and crucial initiative (“Feds ‘Stamp’ out soda?” Feb. 15).

SNAP was designed to combat hunger and malnutrition among low-income individuals, yet it has faced issues of fraud and waste for decades. Sugary beverages, energy drinks, and snacks like Twinkies and Oreos should not be allowed under SNAP provisions. Sugary cereals? No. Premium cuts of beef? No. If you desire prime rib or filet mignon, then you should purchase it yourself.

We frequently discuss the poor diet and obesity rates among SNAP participants, yet the government continues to promote and subsidize these unhealthy choices.

Brian Finn, Stamford, Conn.

Gaza Challenges

With the endorsement of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it seems that 2 million residents of Gaza will receive eviction notices, forced from their homeland (“Bibi, Rubio warn Hamas,” Feb. 17).

I’m willing to speculate that Trump’s proposed border wall — allegedly funded by Mexico — will be completed much sooner than his vision for transforming Gaza into a luxurious resort. Should American national security face threats from Islamic extremists retaliating against the ethnic cleansing in Gaza, fear not — the FBI surely has our interests at heart.

Wait, what? Is the FBI’s budget and workforce going to be slashed by DOGE Emperor Elon Musk? On second thought — we should be concerned.

Vin Morabito, Scranton, Pa.

Defending the Scouts

As the proud parent of an Eagle Scout (Troop 5, Bronxville), I feel compelled to advocate for the Boy Scouts of America as a valuable and essential institution in our society (“Scout’s Dishonor,” Feb. 17).

I am fully aware of the serious issues highlighted in the article and have no sympathy for those who engaged in or concealed acts of sexual abuse.

However, my direct involvement as a parent, volunteer, and former scout has shown me the substantial benefits of scouting. I’ve often told my son that his troop leaders provided him with some of the best education he would ever receive.

Jim Tubridy, Bronxville

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