In 2011, Dr. Oken transitioned to a solo practice that allows him to continue providing his patient’s with traditional primary care. Unlike an insurance based medical practice, in which a physician may be responsible for a large number of patients, Dr. Oken has dramatically limited number of patients in his practice. This enables him to continue to maintain close personal attention to his patients in the office, after hours, in the emergency room and during hospitalizations. This is known as direct medical care and uses a retainer model to embrace the old-fashioned small medical practice that existed many years ago. Additionally, Dr. Oken provides 24/7 cell phone availability for his patient’s as well as email access.

Dr. Oken is one of only a few of Howard County primary care physicians that continues to see his patients if hospitalized. If his patients require admission to Howard County General Hospital, he will provide daily oversight of their care with the admission hospitalist team. Further, Dr. Oken will coordinate with the emergency room physician should you need immediate care in our local emergency room. Dr. Oken’s philosophy is that continuity of care is of the utmost importance, particularly during those times when the patient’s health may be in the greatest jeopardy.