Residents say burdensome regulations pushed out favorite doctor

Editor:

My wife and I learned this past weekend that we are the latest victims of Obamacare.

We thought we had survived this debacle of misguided legislation. Our premiums went way up, but we were covered and actually able to keep our doctor of 30 some years. We valued our patient/doctor relationship with Dr. Christine Stewart so much that we continued to drive to Penfield after moving to Orleans County about 20 years ago. An hour and a half round trip. The idea of finding a doctor closer to home never even came up. She knows everything about us, our medical concerns, needs, etc.

In Saturday’s mail we received a letter from Chris. It begins with “This letter is to let you know that I am closing my practice on June 30, 2016. With many new regulations and requirements, it has become very difficult to run a small practice”.

So much for “If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor.” That was a lie in more than one way – Obamacare is making it impossible for small general practitioners to survive. The same government that has decimated the health care of we veterans has now placed it’s unwelcomed “wisdom” into every home in America.

Ironically, on all of my visits, Chris and I would good naturedly spar over Obamacare – my conservative views versus her enthusiasm that it would help so many people. As it began to be implemented, I joked with her with “How’s that Obamacare working out for you?”

Now I feel very bad now for saying that.

I feel terrible for Laurie and Eva – her two long term team members that will be out of a job soon.

Chris, if you happen to read this, we love you, thank you so deeply, and will always miss you.

Bob & Dawn Harker
Clarendon