SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - It's a concept that is being called 'radical' by some in the medical community. But a South Portland family doctor says it's the only way his practice can survive.

Earlier this year, Dr. Michael Ciampi stopped accepting all forms of health insurance. Now patients pay for his services out of pocket. A move which he says has lowered his overhead costs and allows him be more personally involved with their medical care.

Dr. Michael Ciampi grew up watching his father take care of patients. It was a time before insurance co-pays and the majority of the patients paid up front -- sometimes with whatever they had.

'He was taking chicken and eggs as payment, he did, he charged a low reasonable rate and patients paid it,' said Dr. Ciampi

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - It's been nearly two decades since the Casco Bay Bridge was built, connecting South Portland and Portland, but it's also been that long since business has really boomed in the South Portland neighborhood known as Knightville. That's until recently, when the city decided to make 8-foot sidewalks and pave Ocean Avenue, to attract more business. It's worked...in the form of Coffee, Ice cream and Art.

Put those letters together and you get the new coffee shop, CIA (pronounced "see-ya!"). Owners Bill and Jeannie Dunnigan say they took on this project after they fell in love with Knightville, while it was still under construction. Massachusetts natives, they moved to South Portland in October for Bill's work. They actually moved upstairs from the coffee shop, making it convenient for Jeannie's commute every day.