Partner Content
My Doctor Doesn’t Know Me Anymore
When your doctor has time to know you: A closer look at personalized primary care in Bergen County
It’s exasperating to feel that your doctor no longer knows you. A short appointment may leave little time to discuss your concerns, especially when your medical history includes care from several different physicians.
For Dr. Karen Hart and Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti, who have each practiced medicine in Bergen County for more than 20 years, continuity is central to primary care. At Harley Street Medical in Ho-Ho-Kus, their concierge practice uses a membership model that gives them more time with patients and to coordinate care with specialists.
Their approach begins with learning a patient’s medical history and concerns, then staying involved as care needs change.
More time for personalized primary care
Some primary care practices use a membership model in which patients pay an annual or monthly fee for greater access to personalized care. By keeping the number of patients each physician sees intentionally low, these practices give doctors more time to understand each patient’s health goals and concerns.
At Harley Street Medical, smaller patient panels make room for longer appointments and more timely attention when a concern arises. For a patient calling about a painful elbow, for example, that access can mean being seen the same day.
Getting to know the person behind the medical history
The doctors say that in their previous practices, they typically had 20 to 30 minutes for an initial visit. Today, after reviewing medical records in advance, they can spend 90 minutes with a new patient, taking a detailed medical and family history and discussing health issues, concerns and goals.
“I have to be honest, when I first started at Harley St. Medical, it was hard to imagine using up the entire 90 minutes, but we do. Our patients appreciate the time we give to talk to them and give them the information needed to make informed decisions about their medical care,” says Dr. Valinoti.
Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti says an initial visit can last 90 minutes, allowing time to discuss a patient’s medical history, concerns and goals. Photography by Joseph Caride. Supplied by Harley Street Medical.
Changing doctors while preserving continuity of care
“Some of our patients are leaving doctors they like and admire. It’s not easy for them to make the change, but they are looking for something different. Our patients are interested in a more personalized health care experience that provides greater access and continuity of care,” says Dr. Hart.
Dr. Hart adds that because she and Dr. Valinoti have practiced medicine in Bergen County for more than 20 years, they often know a new patient’s previous physician. That familiarity with the local medical community can help patients feel more comfortable making a change.
Coordinating care with specialists
Dr. Karen Hart, left, and Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti have each practiced medicine in Bergen County for more than 20 years. Photography by Adam Paray.
With a smaller practice, the doctors have more time to reach out to specialists about a treatment plan or visit patients in the hospital if they are admitted. Because they have worked in the community for many years, they often know the specialists and can contact them directly by phone or text to discuss a patient’s care.
That coordination is part of primary care’s broader role: managing everyday health needs and chronic conditions while keeping track of care provided in other offices.
Why primary care can be harder to find
Primary care physicians are the main point of contact for everyday health needs, managing chronic conditions, coordinating care with specialists and helping patients avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
Yet primary care faces persistent pressures, including an aging workforce, lower compensation than many other health occupations and burnout, as documented in a federal report on the primary care workforce. Without a consistent physician, patients may turn to online services, urgent care facilities or emergency departments, repeating their medical history to someone new each time.
Finding a practice that fits
If finding a doctor who has time to get to know you and care for you over the long term matters to you, concierge medicine may be worth a look.
Bergen County readers considering a change can schedule a meet-and-greet with Dr. Hart and Dr. Valinoti at Harley Street Medical in Ho-Ho-Kus to see whether their approach is a good fit.
During that conversation, the doctors explain how the practice works, including help arranging specialist appointments. Before joining, prospective members should ask about current fees, included services and insurance coverage for care outside the practice.
As Dr. Valinoti explains, “We enjoy taking care of patients. The fact that we are more available and aren’t rushing people off is good for everyone.”
The seating area at Harley Street Medical’s Ho-Ho-Kus office, located at 619 N. Maple Avenue. Photography by Joseph Caride. Supplied by Harley Street Medical.
Frequently asked questions about concierge primary care
What is concierge medicine?
Concierge medicine is a membership approach to primary care. Patients pay a fee, and physicians care for smaller patient panels, allowing more time for appointments and ongoing communication.
What happens during a first appointment?
Dr. Hart and Dr. Valinoti review medical records in advance and can spend 90 minutes with a new patient. The visit includes a detailed medical and family history and time to discuss concerns and health goals.
Can the doctors help coordinate care with specialists?
Yes. The physicians can discuss treatment plans with specialists, and the practice helps arrange specialist appointments. Their long-standing relationships in the local medical community support that coordination.
Where is Harley Street Medical’s Bergen County office?
The office is located a short distance from Route 17 and Franklin Turnpike, at 619 N. Maple Avenue in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. Dr. Karen Hart and Dr. Anne Marie Valinoti practice at this location.
Can I meet the doctors before joining?
Yes. Prospective patients can schedule a meet-and-greet to learn how the practice works and decide whether the doctors’ approach is a good fit.
Meet the physicians at Harley Street Medical
Looking for a primary care physician who can get to know you and help coordinate your care? Visit Harley Street Medical’s Ho-Ho-Kus practice page to learn more and use “Get in Touch” to inquire about a meet-and-greet with Dr. Hart or Dr. Valinoti.
