The Daily Dose
2021 Top Doctors Report
Presenting the Capital Region’s Top-Performing Primary Care Practices
Looking for the best, local doctor? Look no further.
Choosing the right doctor is an important decision. That is why we created CDPHP Top Doctors, a comprehensive list of the area’s most trusted and top-performing primary care practices. Now in its fifth year, Top Doctors provides you and your loved ones with the information you need to make the most informed decisions about your care. From all of us at CDPHP, congratulations to all the winners!
Top Ten Primary Care Practices
Congratulations to the following primary care practices for meeting our health plan’s rigorous standards for high-quality care and superior customer service.
Top Doctors
- Adirondack Pediatrics, PC
- Albany Medical Center Community General Pediatrics
- Albany Medical Center Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
- Brunswick Primary Care
- Columbia Internal Medicine, PLLC
- Columbia Memorial Hospital – Callan Family Care Center
- Columbia Memorial Hospital – Kinderhook Medical Care
- Community Care Physicians, PC – Burnt Hills Pediatrics and Internal Medicine
- Community Care Physicians, PC – Capital Healthcare Associates
- Community Care Physicians, PC – CapitalCare Charlton Family Medicine
- Community Care Physicians, PC – CapitalCare Family Practice Clifton Park
Top Performers in Quality Care
40 percent of U.S. adults admit they delayed or avoided medical care during the pandemic over fears of COVID-19. With this in mind, CDPHP celebrating our provider partners who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure patients stayed on top of important checkups, screenings, and immunizations.
Colon Cancer Screenings +
- DeLeo Family Medicine, PC
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Internal Medicine River Road
- Troy Family Physicians
- Samaritan Hospital – Latham Primary Care
- Saratoga Family Physicians
- Eugene Merecki, MD, PC, dba Malta Family Medicine
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Family Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite C)
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Family Practice Clifton Park
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite B1)
- Community Care Physicians, PC The Office of Dr. Lev Barats
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Internal Medicine Balltown Road
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (400 Patroon Creek Blvd.)
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (4 Palisades Drive, Suite 100)
- Scotia Glenville Family Physicians, PC
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Internal Medicine Nott Street
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Family Practice Guilderland
- Kathleen M. Catalano, DO
- SPHPMA – Braverman-Panza Internal Medicine
- Community Care Physicians, PC Delmar Internal Medicine
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (5 Palisades Drive, Suite 200)
Breast Cancer Screenings +
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Family Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite C)
- Samaritan Hospital – Riverside Family Medical Group
- John M. Pramenko, MD, PC
- Samaritan Hospital – Latham Primary Care
- Eugene Merecki, MD, PC, dba Malta Family Medicine
- Scotia Glenville Family Physicians, PC
- Irongate Family Practice Associates, PLLC
- Saratoga Hospital – Women’s Primary Care
- Community Care Physicians CapitalCare Family Practice Clifton Park
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite B1)
- Saratoga Family Physicians
- Community Care Physicians, PC Latham Medical Group
- Sanjay Taneja, MD, dba Grand Medical & Pediatrics
- Troy Family Physicians
- Lansingburgh Family Practice, PC
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Family Practice Guilderland
- Community Care Physicians, PC Capital Healthcare Associates
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Internal Medicine Balltown Road
- St. Mary’s Healthcare – Amsterdam Family Health
- Health Quest Med Practice – Kingston
Diabetes Care +
- Delmar Family Medicine
- Troy Family Physicians
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Family Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite C)
- Samaritan Hospital – Riverside Family Medical Group
- Oldendorf Medical Services
- Joanne H. Van Woert, MD, PC
- St. Mary’s Healthcare – Northville Health Center
- Lansingburgh Family Practice, PC
- Saratoga Hospital – Women’s Primary Care
- Samaritan Hospital – Latham Primary Care
- Community Care Physicians, PC Capital Healthcare Associates
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine
- Community Care Physicians, PC Community Care Family Medicine
- SPHPMA – 5 Palisades Drive (5 Palisades Drive, Suite 200, Albany)
- Newtonville Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, PLLC
- Saratoga Family Physicians
- John M. Pramenko, MD, PC
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Internal Medicine (1444 Western Ave., Suite B1)
- Brunswick Primary Care, PLLC
- Eugene Merecki, MD, PC, dba Malta Family Medicine
Infant Well Visits +
- Samaritan Hospital – Clifton Park Pediatrics Center
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Schenectady
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Guilderland
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Clifton Park
- Four Seasons Pediatrics, LLC
- Troy Pediatrics, LLP
- Hoosick Street Pediatrics
- Community Care Physicians, PC Community Care Pediatrics – Latham
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Clifton Park
- Delmar Pediatrics, PLLC
Adolescent Well Visits +
- Giombetti & Brady Pediatrics, PLLC
- Four Seasons Pediatrics, LLC
- Samaritan Hospital – Clifton Park Pediatric Center
- Troy Pediatrics, LLP
- Adirondack Pediatrics, PC
- Glens Falls Pediatric Consultants, PC
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Clifton Park
- Shaker Pediatrics, PC
- Community Care Physicians, PC CapitalCare Pediatrics Guilderland
- Hoosick Street Pediatrics
HPV Vaccines +
- Four Seasons Pediatrics, LLC
- Shaker Pediatrics, PC
- Hoosick Street Pediatrics
- Mary Kathleen W. DiTursi, MD, PC
- Adirondack Pediatrics, PC
- SPHPMA – Slingerlands Pediatrics
- Albany Medical Center – Department of Pediatrics
- SPHPMA – St. Peter’s Family Health Center
- Samaritan Hospital – Clifton Park Pediatric Center
- St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam Pediatric Health Center
People's Choice
Congratulations to our People's Choice award winners!
New this year, CDPHP celebrates local specialty medicine providers with the Top Doctors People’s Choice awards. Nominated by their patients and peers, the People’s Choice award winners have devoted their lives and careers to helping others.
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP About the Author
John D. Bennett, MD, FACC, FACP, is president and CEO of Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. (CDPHP), an award-winning, physician aligned, not-for-profit health plan based in Albany, NY. Bennett has held the position since 2008 after serving more than 10 years as chair, vice chair, and board member for CDPHP. During his tenure, CDPHP has been ranked among the top-performing health plans in New York and the nation, most recently named #1 in Customer Satisfaction in the 2023 J.D. Power Member Health Plan Study. Under his leadership, CDPHP has also become known as a model employer regionally and nationally and was recently named among the top five Best Companies to Work for in New York by the Society for Human Resource Management, as well as Forbes Best-in-State Employers 2022. Prior to joining CDPHP, Bennett served as founding member and CEO of Prime Care Physicians, PLLC. During his tenure, he co-led a team of 25 cardiologists and helped grow the practice to a 100-physician multi-specialty group. Bennett is board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialties in internal medicine and cardiology. He earned his medical degree at SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a Bachelor of Science degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bennett completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians. Bennett is currently board chair for the Center for Economic Growth and the Capital Region Chamber, and vice chair for the Palace Theatre. Bennett also serves on the boards of the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Russell Sage Colleges. Bennett is a member of the New York Public Health and Health Planning Council where he helps shape decisions related to New York State's public health and health care delivery system. Well-known locally and nationally for advancing health care innovation, Bennett was recently named to Crain’s New York Business 2021 Notable in Health Care, as well as the Albany Business Review’s Power 50 list.
Seth Whitney
Your list does not mention the top doctors. It mentions only the businesses where they practice.
John Bennett
Hi Seth, That’s a great point. We do measure the practices by location, not by physician, which can be a little tricky for patients. I will talk to my team to see if there’s a way to also highlight individual physicians. Thank you for the feedback.
Patricia Eckler
I like your insurance & what it covers, a lot better than others. Just wish you had more doctors, clinics & such that were more convenient to the people that live in Montgomery & Herkimer Counties. Since our employer is based out of Johnstown (Fulton County) a lot of the places we have to go to are in Fulton & the further part of Montgomery Counties. There are quite a few of us employees that live in the Little Falls, Dolgeville & even Herkimer area. I use to be able to go to a clinic right here in the town of Dolgeville, but now I have to go all the way to Canajoharie, which is quite a lot more miles for me to travel.
John Bennett
Hi Patricia, Thanks for your comment. You’re right, there are fewer physicians in those counties. One possible alternative might be virtual care. It doesn’t replace in-person appointments but can be very convenient if you’re finding it difficult to get to the doctor in-person. Most doctors now offer virtual appointments using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and CDPHP also offers a number of virtual health care solutions for both physical and mental health care services. I’m going to ask a member of my team to give you a call to help you get started!
Elizabeth McGinn
This is really great. I wonder if you’d consider doing it for the other disciplines – such as behavioral health. Something to think about.
John Bennett
Hi Elizabeth, Yes, we are always looking to highlight new areas of focus and I think behavioral health is a great choice. I hope we can incorporate that into next year’s report. Great idea!
Florence M. Camps
Did not see any of my doctors, does that mean I should change them ?
John Bennett
Hi Florence, No, not necessarily. The list is meant to help patients find a physician, but if you’re happy with your current doctor, there is no reason to switch. Great question! Thank you for asking.
Bob henckel
Chris Jackson, lived here in Indian lake for25 years. He is by far the best provider I have had. I know he is a lowly PA, but I like him better than previous Drs. Wish I had switched earlier!✌️
John Bennett
Hi Bob, Thanks for the feedback! It is so great to hear you’re pleased with the care and service you’re receiving from Mr. Jackson. Thank you for sharing!
Christopher Chartrand
I was with Community Care even before they were at Latham Med. Both of my Dr.’s retired. The last one, Dr. Dennis Changnon retired as a Community Care GP. My current Dr. Is at Family Medical and he is a very good, hard working to excellent Dr. I think most Dr’s are hard working, especially in times like these, and they all deserve perhaps some noterity. So let’s give it up for our Doc’s and healthcare providers! Hooray!! They’re working their glutes off, thank-you All!!!
Dr. John Bennett
Hello Christopher, Thank you so much for those kind words. I’m sure your doctors – past and present – would be so pleased to hear. Thanks for taking the time to write. – Dr. Bennett
Thomas Reynolds
Such a rediculous list, top 10 out of how many doctors and practices within the report area. And by what criteria? The person asking if they’re going to the right doctor since theirs isn’t on the list says it all. All this listing does is make a lot of patients have doubt in a lot of excellent physions, like mine. A dangerous thing for all of us going to I guess 2nd best doctor’s, shame on you!
John Bennett
Hi Thomas, You make an excellent point – if you are currently seeing a primary care doctor and are happy with the care you’re receiving, there is no reason to switch! We created this list because so many patients don’t have a PCP or are looking for the right doctor based on their individual needs. Our report is based off a long list of clinical data, as well as patient satisfaction scores. We think it’s important to share this information with consumers. I do appreciate your thoughts and wish you the very best in health!
Judith Kozlowski
Having physicians rated rather than locations would be more helpful. I always respond to the surveys after a visit, and I’d like to see if others have the same opinions.
It’s nice to ‘speak’ with you again. You were my husband Paul’s cardiologist years ago, and I can see you’re still a pleasant person concerned about others.
John Bennett
Hi Judith, Wow – so nice to hear from you! I hope you and Paul are doing well. As far as your comments about the report, we have received several comments from readers, like yourself, asking that we list specific providers, rather than the practice name/location. I am discussing this with my team to see how we might be able to address this in the future. Thanks again for your feedback. All my best!
Tom Hammond
Looks likhe everything is north of southern Ulster/Orange County where we live
John Bennett
Hi Tom, You’re correct, most of the doctors listed in this report are located in the Capital Region. If you are looking for a doctor in southern Ulster or Orange County, CDPHP Find a Doc is a great resource. Just head to http://www.findadoc.cdphp.com and enter your plan information and zip code. If you need any more assistance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Best of luck!
Cathy Chuba
I have been trying to get into a doctor at capital care on river road for months. Nobody is accepting new patients. I use to go to Dr. Lee I loved him. I tried a new doctor which I don’t care for. I was told by Dr. Lee’s office I can not go back to him. I have used your find a doctor site they say accepting but none of them are. Please update the site. Thanks
John Bennett
Hi Cathy, I’m sorry you’re having trouble finding a new doctor, but I’m glad you let us know. I am going to have a team member reach out to assist and we will look into Find A Doc to ensure it has the most accurate information. Best of luck!
CSheehan
Your list is the top 10 practices, not the top 10 doctors. Also, your list of PCP is extremely out of date. Most of the doctors listed as accepting new patients are not. The last 12 doctors I called were not taking new patients. What a complete waste of time.
Dr. John Bennett
I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble finding a practice that’s accepting new patients. I would be happy to help you with that. Please give us a call at the number on your ID card and we can assist. Thank you, – Dr. Bennett
David Haskins
I think this is great information. Another area I think would be very beneficial is prostate cancer screening.
Dr. John Bennett
Hi David, That’s a great point. We do capture this information as part of our overall quality assessments but did not include in this year’s report. I appreciate your feedback. All my best! – Dr. Bennett
Bob Swota
I’m surprised that Dr. Merecki and Malta Family Practice are not mentioned on your list. I am soon to be 74 years old, and never have had a doctor as competent and patient friendly as he is. I’ve been going to him for about 30 years and have great confidence in the medical guidance he provides.
Dr. John Bennett
Hi Bob, I’m happy to tell you Dr. Merecki and Malta Family Medicine did in fact make the list. Thanks for writing. Be well! – Dr. Bennett
Demetrio "Dan" Lia
Congrats to Dr. Rienzi and his entire team. You ROCK!
Dr. John Bennett
Hi Dan, Thanks so much for your kind remarks about Dr. Renzi and the team. We really appreciate that. Have a great day! – Dr. Bennett
Carmel Ann Sperti
We feel the same way about Gregg Kujawski of Franklin Family Health
Dr. John Bennett
Hi Carmel, I’m so happy to hear you like Gregg and the team at Franklin Family Health. That’s so important. Thanks for sharing! – Dr. Bennett
Dayle Smith
My Husband works for Albany Med and his employer wants all employee’s to use Albany Med Doctor’s within their system. Finding a new Doctor is so stressful, it would be so helpful when searching for a Doctor there was a choice of where the Doctor’s provide their services.
Dr. John Bennett
Hi, Dayle – Thanks for your feedback. We have heard from quite a few patients who say they want more detail on the individual doctors vs. the practices, so we are working to include that level of detail into next year’s report. Much appreciated! – Dr. Bennett