Yes, we can provide care for older adults
Dr. Andy Lazris correctly pointed out (June 14 Baltimore Sun) that the cost versus revenue figures as quoted by Larry Carson in his June 7 article on the closure of Erickson Health of Howard County were incorrect. What Dr. Lazris failed to acknowledge, however, is that the Erickson concierge medical model has historically been subsidized through real estate profits and more recently through profits from Erickson Advantage, the Medicare managed care product that pays 14 percent above standard Medicare and generates revenue through decreasing hospital utilization. Failure to sell the insurance product in Howard County was a major factor in the closure of the practice.
I applaud Dr. Lazris for his plans to start a community-based geriatric medicine practice in Howard County and wish him well. Older adults and frail elders in Howard County will benefit from his expertise and enthusiasm. I reject his characterization of my work to develop a new model of care as "Dr. Elon's doom about the ability of doctors to deliver quality geriatric care even under our flawed system." It will take the entire village of Howard County to develop a system of care that will support and complement the work of skilled primary care physicians, such as Dr. Lazris, to ensure their success. Howard County, with all its resources and expertise, can serve as a beacon for the nation and take a leadership role in developing innovative solutions for providing quality care for older adults and frail elders as the health care reform debate unfolds down the road in Washington.
