This New York Times article would be more accurately entitled "The Disappearing Patient." At Santa Monica Primary Care, we have never described patients as "loss leaders" nor do we find that primary care is an "unattractive option." Instead, we provide careful, personalized and comprehensive care in the office, hospital and nursing facility. By treating the patient as a commodity, the corporations, large hospital groups and pharmacies profiled in the article will undoubtedly further erode the patient's experience as well as the quality of care provided to them. At SMPC, we treat patients as people and their care and experiences reflect that approach.