Barber, Joseph C, MD

I have just moved to the Erie area from Pittsburgh and since all my children were part of the CCP practice in Pittsburgh I felt the logical choice would be to transfer to this practice. I called and inquired of the receptionist whether or not they were accepting new patients at this time. The receptionist replied that they were and proceeded to get my children's information. Everything was going along fine until she asked what coverage my children had and I responded Gateway. All of a sudden they were too busy and could not accept any new patients. I was so surprised and immediately called my previous doctor at the CCP in Pittsburgh and talked to her about this situation. My doctor explained that unlike down in Pittsburgh, the majority of Gateway clients in Erie are on public assistance. That really made me upset, insurance is insurance and if that office is a provider for that insurance I do not see why there should be a difference. My doctor suggested I call and explain that my coverage is through my employer rather than the department of public assistance. She has got to be kidding me. CCP is and abreviation for Children's Community Pediatric, the only children's hospital in our region and the office is actually turning away patients under the assumption that they might be recipients of public assistance? That goes against the whole spirit of Children's Hospital. I actually drive down to Pittsburgh to recieve care for my children (all four of them, two with special needs) and will continue to do so until I find a pediatricans office that actually has concern for the physical well-being of the children and not the financial well-being of the family.