From the Office of Dr. Arnold L Weg

October 17, 2025

To my beloved and respected Medicare patients,

As far back as I can remember, I aspired to become a physician. My education and training at NYU, Columbia and Cornell provided a foundation for excellent patient care. I have been practicing Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology in Forest Hills and Manhattan in affiliation with the New York Presbyterian hospital for nearly forty years. As an associate professor of clinical medicine at Cornell, I teach post graduate physicians how to practice medicine and perform gastrointestinal endoscopy. More recently, I have realized the dream of a lifetime with my son, Dr Russell Weg, joining the practice. He has established himself as an outstanding physician and accomplished practitioner respected and admired by patients and colleagues. His keen judgement, clinical acumen, exceptional human values and intellect place him in the top tier of medical practitioners and educators. 

I have always practiced medicine in the most altruistic fashion without considering reimbursement or any other financial issues. I work hard with the best of intentions treating my patients with devotion, compassion and expertise. By studying and teaching, I am able to provide patients with current diagnostics and therapeutics. It continues to be my privilege and honor to do my best for you.

Medicare has become increasingly difficult to deal with. Fact is that reimbursement has been progressively declining or denied for basic treatments and diagnostics. There is a planned inexorable decline in Medicare expenditure. The reality is that Medicare doesn’t care at all. We are unable to get patients the tests and treatment integral to current management. Additionally, there is increased after hours work at great expense to demonstrate compliance with arbitrary metrics without clinical benefit. 

It costs us more to treat patients than we are paid. Reimbursement has declined as all of our expenses have risen. This translates into me providing care at a loss. Believe me that it has been necessary to bring funds to the practice from savings to keep us afloat. While I have always been averse to change, I am compelled to no longer be a Medicare provider as of January 1, 2026.

This means that you will be able to see me on a fee for service basis. The fee schedule is well below what my colleagues are charging and should be worth it to you. I will continue to provide the best care in a timely and highly attentive personalized basis. I anticipate that you will see me at your appointment time. Long waits should be a thing of the past. My devoted long time staff that you have come to know will be less pressured. They will have the opportunity to answer phones better and serve your needs well. I have always provided after hours access and will continue to be involved in your care if you are hospitalized. My patients have become part of my extended family. I will do my best for you with love and warmth.

It bears clarifying that this is not concierge medicine as there is no annual retainer fee. You will be charged a reasonable fee and provided with a receipt. This receipt cannot be submitted to Medicare, but you can get partial reimbursement from secondary insurance in some instances. You will be treated by me as your private physician as always and now even better. Outside services including lab and diagnostic imaging that were covered will continue to be. 

I am making this decision after arduous contemplation and my desire to continue taking care of you in a sustainable fashion. My practice continues to be a great source of joy and fulfillment. I expect to be practicing for  years to come. It is my hope and anticipation that you will continue to be part of my professional life in health and happiness. 

Sincerely

Arnold Weg, MD

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I still see Dr. Weg after January 1, 2026?

Yes. You may continue to see me as always. The only change is that Medicare will not be billed. You will pay a reasonable fee at the time of your visit.

Will my secondary insurance reimburse me?

Some secondary insurances may reimburse part of your fee. You will receive a receipt that you may submit to them directly.

Will my lab tests, imaging, and other outside services still be covered?

Yes. All bloodwork, out-of-office imaging and medications will still be covered in accordance with Medicare policy. 

Is this concierge medicine?

No. There is no annual membership or retainer fee. You will only pay for visits when you are seen.

Will I still get the same level of care and access?

Absolutely. You will continue to receive attentive, expert care. Appointment times will run more smoothly, and you will continue to have access after hours and during hospitalizations.

Why did you make this change?

Medicare reimbursement and administrative requirements have made it impossible to sustain the same high-quality, personalized care. This change allows me to continue treating you with the time, attention, and thoroughness you deserve.

How do I schedule an appointment or ask questions about fees?

Appointments can be scheduled by calling our office or via our website, WegMedicine.com. For more information, please contact us at ALWMedicare@gmail.com or call our office.