Jan. 19, 1999. It is with extreme regret that I must inform you that The Wellness Center, the largest HIV/AIDS private practice in San Francisco, is being forced to close its doors by The National Heritage Insurance Company (NHIC), a contractor to Medicare. Despite the fact that we are still operating at a loss every month, NHIC is insisting that we pay back over $125,000 of previously dispersed funds before allowing the practice an opportunity to appeal this decision.

Our many attempts at securing the right to appeal this decision prior to full repayment of the requested amount ($126,000) have been flatly refused. This, despite the fact that the practice is presently over $300,000 in debt and completely dependent on Medicare payments to remain open. When told that any significant fine or disruption in payments, prior to an appeal of their decision, would cause the practice to close down within two weeks, the insurance company in effect said, "WE DON'T CARE."

"I find myself in the unique position of fighting an insurance company for the very life of my practice. It is not unlike the position of many of my patients where a large insurance company brutally dictates decisions which compromise their very livelihood. They are doing it every day, one patient and one doctor at a time, crushing the individual's ability to fight their overwhelming power and resources. This has got to stop!"

Unless something changes, The Wellness Center will be closing its doors on January 31st. 2000.