Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Mintz.
Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After 20 years of serving as full-time faculty at The George Washington University School of Medicine, where I split my time between teaching in the medical school and seeing patients, I decided that it was time to work closer to where I lived. I loved my job at GW, but the commute from my home in Rockville to downtown DC was over an hour each way. I am board certified in internal medicine in practice for over 23 years. I started my concierge practice because patients are frustrated with today’s current health care system- impossible to get an appointment with your doctor, long waits in the waiting room, only a few minutes talking with the doctor while they mostly look at a computer screen, and good luck getting any calls returned. In my practice, we offer same day, next day appointments, longer appointments, and 24/7 phone access directly to me.
By having time to spend with patients and allowing them access whenever they need it, I get to know them as a person and have time to answer all their questions. In addition to internal medicine and primary care, I am also one of the few physicians in the area that certifies patients for medical marijuana as part of my regular practice. I got involved in medical cannabis because a medical cannabis dispensary opened up in my medical building. While skeptical at first, I found it quite effective for serious conditions like chronic pain and severe anxiety. Medical marijuana does not have to be smoked, and if used correctly will not make you sleepy or “high.” Unlike most certifying providers, who just do paperwork, I perform a comprehensive evaluation of patients and give specific recommendations of exactly what to take and how. I have spent time learning and researching medicinal cannabis and have now certified or re-certified over 2,000 patients in Maryland and DC. Based on this, I have written a book, “Medical Marijuana and CBD: A Physician’s Guide for Patients” now available on Amazon.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While there have been ups and downs, overall things have worked out well. I had not planned on incorporating medical cannabis into my practice, but it something that I enjoy as it really helps patients who are suffering. To me, one of the hardest things about starting a new practice after being in an academic setting for two decades was how to introduce myself to the community and let them know about my practice. This took a lot of time, trial, and error. However, I am now co-chair of the Health and Wellness Group of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a membership or concierge medical practice where I offer patient same day appointments, next day appointments, longer appointments and 24/7 phone access for one flat rate. There are no additional fees or co-pays. I do not accept insurance but can generate invoices for patients to submit for reimbursement. Medical cannabis certifications are included for members, but non-members can also see me for certifications on a fee for service basis.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Certainly, incorporating medical cannabis into my practice and publishing were both big risks. Medical cannabis still unfortunately has a negative stigma, so there were some concerns I had that colleagues might not appreciate what I was doing, as well as potentially causing concerns for regular patients. Self-publishing a book is a huge amount of time and effort, and you have no idea if it will ever pay off.
Pricing:
- My membership fee is $1750 a year, which can be paid annually, quarterly, or monthly.
- Fee for medical cannabis certification is $250 per visit
Contact Info:
- Email: drmintz@gmail.com
- Website: www.drmintz.com, www.mdcannabisdoc.com
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Medical-Marijuana-CBD-Physicians-Patients/dp/1735155403
