CooperativeMed, a concierge medical practice founded by Dr. Michael O’Neal, is combining traditional values with modern technology right here in the Tampa Bay!
During his residency training, Dr. O’Neal noticed that there were many inefficiencies in the common approach to medical care. He felt it was necessary to develop an alternative practice environment that more effectively met the expectations of patients, and his expectations as their caregiver. His dialect of concierge medicine, which he coined ‘membership medicine’, was a more personal and efficient solution to the traditional, high-volume model.
Founded in 2002, when only 50 such practices existed in the United States, Tampa Bay’s original concierge medical practice is recognized as a pioneer of an industry that is now thriving nationwide. Patient’s that want to be a member of a concierge medical practice pay an annual membership fee, which in turn, enables the physician to manage a low-volume of patients. This creates a more manageable primary care ‘home’ where the physicians and staff can provide more time and energy to fewer patients.
CooperativeMed continues to evolve in response to changes in the health care climate. While they offer the standard concierge services (same day appointments, little or no waiting, longer appointment times, and direct physician access via email or cell phone), they are still one of the only practices that give the patients the option of being seen at their home, work, or one of their offices. Similarly, their phlebotomist will come right to you for blood draws in the comfort of your own home. For those remote patients, they have a novel tele-health program that utilizes a secure video portal and peripheral technology. Patient’s also have access to a nutrition program, including a Registered Dietician, as well as custom supplements. Patient’s with back and joint pain have access to a unique biometric (movement) analysis, which is typically restricted to professional sports teams. A recent collaboration now allows patient’s to integrate an IV Wellness program into their health care plan. And, you will rarely find a primary care physician who will scrub surgeries, attend parent-teacher meetings, and attend other physician appointments with their patients!
In this patient-centered practice, one size DOESN’T fit all. A collaborative partnership between patient and physician is encouraged in order to improve compliance, reduce hospitalizations, and improve delivery of preventative care services. An empowered patient working with their personal physician may ultimately improve outcomes.
Dr. O’Neal emphasized that “while there is an opportunity to expand the business, I am always looking for ways to refine and improve our local prescence. My priority (and loyalty) remains here in Tampa Bay.”
To learn more about Dr. Michael O’Neal and CooperativeMed click here!
