Dr. Kieran Py of Atlantic General Primary Care in Ocean View makes sure health insurance demands do not interfere with the care he provides to patients and the quality of the doctor-patient relationship.

“One of the biggest challenges today is, unfortunately, dealing with the insurance companies,” Dr. Py said. “They dictate how much time you get to spend with your patients and what documentation they feel is necessary, which is frequently unrelated to what the patient actually came in for. While the insurance companies are a challenge, it is certainly still possible to provide great patient care.

“Listening to patients and asking targeted follow-up questions help a lot with this issue,” Dr. Py continued. “There is no way to change what time we have, but it is possible to improve the quality of that time. Clear and concise speaking and listening are key.”

A member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Py joined Atlantic General Health System in February 2017 after completing his family medicine residency at Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY.

At the end of the day, regardless of how much red tape exists in his office, Dr. Py finds tremendous reward in providing expert care for his patients.

“Overwhelmingly, the most important aspect of my profession is being able to help others,” Dr. Py said. “That is why I went into this profession, and I sleep with a clear conscience at night, knowing I have provided care for those in need.