By Camille Sperrazza
One of the reasons why many people forgo doctor visits is lack of time. So often we see one doctor, then we are told to see another specialist. From there, we may be told to take a series of diagnostic tests at a different location. Then, we need follow-up visits to learn the results of these tests. It often involves a lot of waiting, and we are often frazzled by the process. Unfortunately, we have come to expect that there is little we could do about it. Up until now. Finally, things can be different. The professionals at Be Well Primary Health Care Center (2019 Nostrand Avenue, 718-434-0711 or 718-253-WELL) make it convenient for patients to see doctors who specialize in a variety of disciplines, and they are all located at this one center. In addition, Medicaid is accepted for all of these services, as are most major medical plans. The Center participates with all Medicaid HMO programs, including Americhoice, Atlantis, Care Plus, Center Care, Fidelis, Health First, Health Plus, HIP, Metroplus, Neighborhood, NY Presbyterian, and Well Care. Diagnostic testing and treatments are also done on the premises, including sonograms, ultrasounds, blood tests, and echocardiograms. Dr. Anatole Barkan is the facility’s Medical Director, a Board-certified doctor who specializes in internal medicine. He brings over 20 years of medical expertise to the facility. The center also provides the services of an ob/gyn, an ophthalmologist, a neurologist, a pediatrician, a gastroenterologist, a nurse practitioner, a podiatrist, an optometrist, an orthopedist, an endocrinologist, a cardiologist, a physical therapist, and a dentist.. Because of this wide assortment of available services, the people at Be Well Primary Health Care say that they are delighted to see entire families becoming pro-active about health care. For example, they see children being treated by the pediatrician while their grandparents are seen by the cardiologist. Mom is going for her annual gynecological exam on this same day, and then the entire family can be seen by the ophthalmologist and the dentist. Imagine the convenience of scheduling the entire family’s doctors appointments in one day. Doing so saves an enormous amount of time and running around. If any tests need to done, they are done at the center, as well. We’re reminded that it’s important to schedule these doctor visits, even if we are feeling fine because obviously, we want to stay that way. For example, with cold and flu season under way, families may want to come in for flu shots, long before they start to feel a sniffle. When they make this appointment, they may seize the opportunity to visit the dentist, something that should be done every six months. It’s important for oral hygiene and overall good health. If it’s been a while since the family has had an eye exam, why not have everyone’s eyes examined while there? Doctors recommend annual glaucoma testing to be sure eyes stay healthy. Should family members suffer from diabetes, doctors will provide dietary advice. They will also provide care and advice for patients with thyroid problems. Doctors on staff who provide all of these services include: Dr. David Khodadadian, Dr. Alan David, Dr. Alla Gonchar, Dr. Irina Berlin, Dr. Jean Langhans, Dr. Howard Reifer, Dr. Janna Stephankoff, Dr. Gregory Perrier, Dr. Pavel Shlimovich, Dr. Ghansyam Bhambhani, Dr. Gene Kominer, and Dr. Galina Feynberg. There are future plans for the center to host a series of lectures, provided by doctors, who will address a variety of health-related issues. Knowledge is power, and this is another way families can remain pro-active about good health care. Be Well Primary Health Care Center is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The facility has been part of the community for about two years, and it can be reached by train or by bus. For those who are eligible, special arrangements may be made for courtesy transportation to and from the center. It is suggested that people call for further information.
