From left: Patrick J. Contino, MD, and Laura Hershorin, MD, family physicians, with Harvey S. Mishner, MD, founder of the Lakewood Ranch Primary Care practice

Family practitioners and internal medicine physicians play important roles in their patients' day-to-day health.

"We provide or oversee all aspects of patients' medical care, so patients get the services and treatment they need, when they need it," says Patrick J. Contino, MD, a family practice physician at Lakewood Ranch Primary Care and a member of the patient safety committee at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC).

Comprehensive Care
Some family practice groups treat patients of all ages -- from childhood to senior years. Internal medicine groups generally treat adults. Both provide a wide range of services that may include:

• Primary care services
• Preventive screenings and services
• Women's health services
• Pediatric care
• Chronic disease management
• Treatment for mild depression
• Treatment for sleep problems
• Minor skin and orthopedic procedures

"We treat patients when they are sick, but we also help them stay healthy," says Luis A. Urrutia, MD, Chief of Medicine at LWRMC. His private practice is HealthCare America Medical Group, Inc., a large group of family practitioners, internal medicine specialists and pediatricians.

Laura Hershorin, MD, a family practice physician at Lakewood Ranch Primary Care who has medical staff privileges at LWRMC, agrees. "We encourage patients to eat right, exercise and live healthy lifestyles. We try to catch issues early and treat them before they become problems," Dr. Hershorin says.

Luis A. Urrutia, MD HealthCare America Medical Group, Inc. 5460 63rd St. East Bradenton, FL 34203 941-758-0492

The Personal Touch
Patient comfort and convenience are priorities for family practice and internal medicine physicians. Typically, patients do not have long waits for routine appointments, and they usually can get same-day appointments when they need immediate care. These physicians often take care of hospitalized patients.

"Our staff answers all phone calls -- even during lunch -- to make it easier for patients to schedule appointments or get responses to their questions or concerns," Dr. Contino says. "After hours, patients can reach the on-call physician by cell phone."

"We're very service-oriented, Dr. Urrutia says. "Patients can contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HealthCare America has walk-in clinics and extended hours on weekends."

Perhaps most importantly, physicians in family practice groups develop long-term relationships with their patients.

"We take the time to listen, so patients feel very comfortable with us," Dr. Hershorin says.

To find out more, please call Lakewood Ranch Primary Care at 941-907-0588 or HealthCare America Medical Group, Inc. at 941-758-0492.

Harvey S. Mishner, MD, Internal Medicine
Patrick J. Contino, MD, Family Medicine
Laura Hershorin, MD, Family Medicine

Lakewood Ranch Primary Care
8340 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Suite 350
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
941-907-0588