4 stories from the doctor of 'Island Practice'

Nantucket turns to Dr. Timothy Lepore for a wide-range of needs. Here are four of the more unusual stories included in "Island Practice," Pam Belluck's book about Lepore.

3. Unusual payment

A lighthouse on Nantucket Peter N. Spotts

Lepore's billing method for his practice can be unorthodox. Once, when a patient from South Africa didn't have cash or insurance to offer him after Lepore performed an appendectomy, Lepore told the patient, "You work at a good cookie place. Every week, bring me a couple of cookies." Another patient who had an interest in running was informed that if she participated in a marathon, Lepore would chop her bill in half. She did and the bill was decreased.

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