Robert G Beitman, MD, PA

GET TO KNOW YOUR DOCTOR - Dr. Robert Beitman's CV

Dr. Robert Beitman is a specialist in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Geriatrics. He also has a special interest in nutrition and the developmentally disabled. A graduate of New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Beitman did his premedical training in the basic sciences at Union College in upstate New York. After medical school, Dr. Beitman entered a residency program in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Veteran's Hospital. He has taken special training in pulmonary medicine at the Brompton Hospital in England, and studied medicine in Aarhaus, Denmark. Upon completion of his training in Internal Medicine, he trained in the field of digestive diseases - known as "gastroenterology." He trained at the Institute of Gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania - Presbyterian Hospital.
While teaching as an assistant instructor at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Dr. Beitman was recruited by Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital to come as their first gastroenterologist and has been head of the department for fourteen (14) years. Having been raised at the shore in Connecticut, Dr. Beitman decided it would be nice to raise a family at the Jersey Shore.
Medical education is a life-long process. Dr. Beitman takes an average of 4 post graduate courses each year at major medical centers such as Harvard, UCLA, Thomas Jefferson University, the Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic, Rutgers, Yale, New York University and Columbia. Dr. Beitman is active in civic affairs. He served as an officer of the local unit of the American Cancer Society and has been as an officer of the Medical Society for nearly 20 years. He had written a weekly column in the Cape May County Herald and Lantern newspapers on preventative medicine, and was co-host of a television show on health affairs on WMGM TV 40 for over 12 years. He was an appointed member of the Cape May County Health Advisory Committee for more than a decade. Dr. Beitman is a contributing author to one of the major textbooks in the field of Gastroenterology as well as several other articles. In addition to his office, hospital and nursing home practices, Dr. Beitman is an internal medicine consultant to Woodbine Developmental Center . Since 1982, he has headed the Hospital's Pre-Medical College program, whereby students visit the different hospital departments and spend time with the doctor on rounds and in his office.
He is listed in the Digital City, Atlantic City Web Site as one of the premier doctors in the South Jersey area. He is also certified as a medical director of long term institutions. Currently, he has several decades of experience as a medical director of nursing and rehabilitation centers.

WHAT IS AN INTERNIST/GASTROENTEROLOGIST
You have selected a board-certified internist. This means your doctor is a trained specialist in taking care of adult problems. People sometimes confuse the term "internist" with that of "intern." An internist is not an intern. An intern is the name for a medical student's 1st year of post-graduate hospital training. An"internist" is a fully trained physician who elects to continue his education for an additional two years after the internship. This period is called a "residency," focusing upon the specialized study of the internal organs and their diseases. Fields of the study include heart, kidney disease, brain and blood disorders, muscle and joint disorders, metabolic disorders, lung disease, cancer, allergy, infectious diseases, geriatrics.
In addition to serving as an Internist, Dr. Beitman is also a gastroenterolgist, meaning he has taken two additional years of training. He is specially trained in the diagnostic procedures, detection and treatments of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and rectum. Examples of a few of the disorders commonly treated are: hemorrhoids, polyps, Crohn's disease, obesity, ulcers, Hepatitis, Hepatitis C, heartburn, gallbladder disease, cancers of the stomach, liver, pancreas, colon and intestines, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, eating and swallowing disorders. He has performed more than 26,000 endoscopic procedures including: endoscopies, colonoscopies, flexible sigmoidoscopies, liver biopsies, small bowel biopsies, sclerotherapy, dilation of the esophagus, exploration of the pancreatic and biliary ducts (ERCP), feeding tube placements and polypectomy.

WHAT IS A GERIATRICIAN
Dr. Beitman is the first board-certified geriatrician in Cape May County and one of the few in the United States . Geriatrics refers to the specialized field of medical knowledge necessary to optimally care for those aged 60 and over. Geriatrics has recently become recognized as a distinct specialty. Geriatric patients can have medical problems and different physical reactions to medications and treatments than younger persons. The geriatrician is aware of this and knows how to: modify medications to suit the body's changing abilities and watch out for dangerous drug interactions. Also to prepare you to avoid nutritional and vitamin deficiencies. He can diagnose diseases that tend to present differently, and protect you against your increased risk of infection. Also to help you manage such common problems such as: constipation, osteoporosis, arthritis, dizziness, gait problems, indigestion, memory changes, impotence, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

CONSULTATIONS
Your physician has asked you to see Dr. Beitman because (s)he feels you may benefit from specialty training. To perform a consultation Dr. Beitman will review the medical history, study the results of tests you have brought with you, and do a physical. He will then either prepare his own opinion or suggest additional tests which may been needed to make a diagnosis. Dr. Beitman will communicate his recommendations to your doctor. In most cases your referring doctor will be able to implement the recommended treatment. In some cases, it may also prove helpful to see Dr. Beitman periodically for ongoing specialized care of your problem. In the event of finding a digestive cancer or polyps, you will need to return to Dr. Beitman for regular monitoring to make sure the cancer, polyp, or ulcer does not return.

SECOND OPINIONS
Many patients and some insurance companies require a second opinion before having surgery or embarking upon major treatment. In our office a second opinion consultation involves an extended visit with the doctor during which he will review the tests you've had to date and do a history check and physical. Be sure to bring copies of any test and x-ray reports. It is your decision whether you want a report sent to your doctor or if you want the results of your visit kept confidential.

Services

We are pleased and proud to be able to offer state-of-the-art facilities for our patients. We are constantly adding new equipment and services to better meet your needs.

CANCER SCREENING
Blood tests, stool test, physical exam, breast and prostate exams, flexible sigmoidoscopy, endoscopies, and colonoscopies are available. We have photographic equipment to record results.

HEART MONITORING
24-hour take-home cardiac monitoring, in-office computerized cardiograms, and blood pressure monitoring.

LUNG EVALUATIONS
Oxygen blood levels, pulmonary testing for strength, capacity and endurance, bronchodilator and pulmonary percussion treatments to aid breathing are available.

LIVER AND PANCREAS EVALUATION
Liver biopsies specialized treatment of medical problems secondary to alcoholism, liver and pancreatic diseases, including treatment of esophageal varices and removal of excess abdominal fluid.

NUTRITION
Dr. Beitman prescribes specialized diets for particular medical needs. In-office dilation of the esophagus is available for those with swallowing disorders. Intravenous in-home nutrition can be arranged, as well as endoscopic placement of feeding tubes. Instruction in high fiber diet, Celiac, low residue, low cholesterol, and diabetes are available.

HEMORRHOID EVALUATION AND REMOVAL
Virtually painless removal of most hemorrhoids by infra-red treatments is done on the premises. This helps with complaints of bleeding, pain, itching, fecal incompetence, and mucous production and discharge. Rubber banding or sclorotherapy can also be performed without the need for major surgery.

DIGESTIVE DISEASE
Dr. Beitman helps with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the Digestive Tract. Areas included are the Esophagus, Stomach, Gall Bladder, Duodenum, Pancreas, Small Intestine, and Large Intestine (Colon and Rectum). We handle cases of Esophagitis, narrowing, Gastritis, ulcers, erosions, Duodenitis, bleeding, Colitis, hemorrhoids, Diarrhea, weight loss, malnutrition, and constipation. Also the symptoms of heartburn, Barrette's Esophagus, indigestion, bleeding, gas, distension, pancreatitis, rectal bleeding, trouble swallowing, abdominal pain, and polyps.

NURSES AND STAFF
Our staff is selected for their dedication to patient care and numerous years of experience in specialty fields. Our nurses have extensive experience in intensive care settings, the emergency room, nursing facilities, home care and medical care in hospitals and clinics, as well as out patient surgical settings.

PHYSICALS
Executive Physicals, and routine History and Physicals are available. In addition, the usual adult immunizations are available. Consults and second opinions are routinely provided.

LAB
Blood drawing and centrifuging for most commercially available lab tests to be processed by national laboratories for best results. Stool and tuberculosis skin testing and immunizations are available on request.

COLONOSCOPY
This procedure which allows us to check the Large Intestine is performed under sedation so it is comfortable. It aids in diagnosis of polyps, colon cancer, and intestinal disorders. Dr. Beitman has done more than 15,000 of these.

ENDOSCOPY
This procedure (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) allows us to check the Esophagus, Stomach, and Duodenum for diseases of the upper digestive tract. It aids in the detection of ulcers and swallowing diseases. Dr. Beitman has done more than 15,000 of these.

Office Policies

In the office, payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance with the office manager. Should you be hospitalized or undergo a major procedure, you will be billed for any balance unpaid by your health insurance. Our fees are based upon computer lists of area fees provided by the insurance companies, so we believe you will find our services not only of high quality, but also of reasonable cost. In the event that you have no health insurance and are faced with medical bills beyond your means, our office manager will be glad to sit down with you and work out a payment strategy. We accept Medicare. That means Medicare will pay 80% of all approved fees. The other 20% and your deductible are due by you after Medicare has made its payment.

RECEIPTS
At the time of service you will be provided with an itemized and coded receipt acceptable to all insurance companies for payments made. For cash payments, please request a receipt from our staff at the time of request.

PAYMENTS RECEIVED AT HOME
Occasionally, reimbursements may be mailed by your insurance company directly to you to cover balances owed to this office. Please endorse the check and forward it to us.

COLLECTIONS
If you find you have financial problems, please contact us. If we do not hear from you after three warning notices, your account will be sent to a collection agency. Also, should we receive notice from your insurance company that a payment has been received by you for our services, and it has not been forwarded to this office, you will receive one warning before your account is turned over to collection.

OTHER INSURANCES
Should difficulties arise with your insurance company, contact our office staff to assist you. However, you should understand clearly that it is your insurance policy. The responsible party for all payments is you, not your insurance company. By all means, maintain adequate health insurance for your protection. Review your plan to determine its policies in advance of your visit. Obtain and bring with you referrals if they are required for your plan. Make sure you have obtained the authorization for enough visits.

WHEN TO CALL
Usual Office Hours - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

WHEN TO CALL WITH QUESTIONS
Please call during business office hours, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Be sure to leave your phone number and when and where you can be reached. Dr. Beitman attempts to answer non-emergency questions at the end of the business day. We try not to interrupt office visits. We greatly appreciate your consideration in saving your calls regarding medications, inquiries regarding a friend or relatives welfare, or minor health problems until working hours. (Please be aware that we generally do not release information about a patient to anyone without the patient's consent). Please call at the beginning of office hours should you suspect that a visit to the doctor will be needed.

IF YOU ARE IN AN HMO
Having Dr. Beitman as your primary doctor, please make sure that you tell whoever answers the phone to which HMO you belong. All HMO's require that you see only a covering physician who is affiliated with that HMO. Your plan provided you with a list of such doctors. They generally will refuse to pay for services rendered by doctors not affiliated with their plan.

IN THE EVENT OF A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY OR ADVERSE DRUG REACTION
If you have heart pains or difficulty breathing or bleeding, Dr. Beitman cannot help you over the phone and you may waste valuable minutes calling him. Have your local rescue squad take you directly to the emergency room of the nearest hospital where the equipment necessary for life-saving action is available. Tell them Dr. Beitman is your doctor, have them examine you and then ask that they contact Dr. Beitman or his covering physician with your condition.
Space in the office schedule is safeguarded every day for your emergencies. Please call at the beginning of office hours should you suspect that a visit to the doctor will be needed. On the weekend, the answering service can reach Dr. Beitman in the event of an emergency.

IF THE DOCTOR IS AWAY
Dr. Beitman arranges for a qualified physician to be available to respond to your call. The office and answering service will give your number to the covering doctor so (s)he can call you.

Insurance and Hospitals

We accept these and many other insurance plans.

Champus / Tricare
Medicare
Medicaid
Worker's Compensation
Atlanticare Health System
Multiplan
Magnacare
Blue Choice
Participates with Other Plans
Consumer Health Network
United Healthcare Insurance Co.
Amerihealth
All Blue Cross Plans
Oxford Health Plans (NJ) Inc.
Horizon Blue Cross / Blue Shield
Delaware Blue Cross / Blue Shield
HMO Blue
Physician Healthcare Plan of New Jersey
First Health
Aetna Health Plan of New Jersey Inc.
NYLcare
Cigna Healthcare of the Delaware Valley
Prudential Healthcare
Medicare Blue
US Health Care
Horizon Mercy
AmeriChoice / Americaid
- and many other plans.

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS
Cape Regional Medical Center
Shore Medical Center

Contact Us

USUAL OFFICE HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00a.m. - 5 p.m.

These may vary from time to time due to holidays, or the doctor being away.

15 Village Dr Cape May Court House, NJ 08210-1939, US