I worked in health insurance for over thirty years. This gave me some insight on the changes managed care, innovative medical technology and increase costs of medical care affect physicians and how they run their office. Many people complain that office visit are quick and impersonal. You hear that the Primary Care Physician (PCP) are gatekeepers in a managed care system. There is belief gatekeeper means keeping you from access to care. Meeting Dr Bird I learned quickly that finding the right answer was important to him. I was in an interesting situation, my muscles and movement were deteriorating. My future was uncertain and a 10 minute office wouldn’t provide too many answers. Dr. Bird, my PCP, my gatekeeper, was looking for a root cause of my muscle problem and his experience prepared him with checklist and sent me to specialists to rule out certain conditions, I signed up for MDVIP because I wanted better health. What does that mean? I wanted a physician who would take a holistic approach to my care. Knowing and understanding the numbers from tests and explaining the pros and cons in layman terms. Finding solutions to help me reach my goals. Not much to ask for but the level of care I received far exceeded my expectations. To say Dr Bird and his staff were ‘in tune’ down plays their actual care. Not only did we find out that I am allergic to statins, they knew me personally. Where and how I worked. My life with my husband of 35 years and our love to explore. And the tragic news when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. They help me maintain physical and mental health during my husband’s treatment . The morning of my husband’s passing I had an appointment. At 7am I was calling the office to cancel the appt. It wasn’t an answering service that answer the phone it was Dr Bird. During a very low period of my life it was a warm feeling to speak to Dr Bird who knew my plight. That experience was very appreciated and I haven’t doubted my membership to MDVIP. There are other experiences that have solidified my trust with Dr Bird and I know he will always be a straight shooter. God bless Dr Bird and his staff and may they have the opportunity help many others.