Facility openings, expansions, and new staff physician provides more medical care options for residents
POLK COUNTY is steadily growing, which means its healthcare needs are as well. Fortunately, we have many excellent service providers who are seizing the opportunity for growth and expanding their service offerings. BayCare, WellCare, Watson Clinic, and Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center have all recently opened new facilities or welcomed new staff physicians in Haines City, Winter Haven, Bartow, and Davenport.
• RESIDENTS OF HAINES CITY have a new convenient urgent care facility to visit for minor health issues. BayCare Urgent Care opened December 12 and is located at 36245 U.S. Highway 27, Haines City, FL 33844. The facility will offer treatment for a variety of concerns, such as minor illnesses and injuries, flu and colds, sprains, strains, minor cuts, stings, and burns. In addition to these services, BayCare Urgent Care will also offer flu shots, school and sports physicals, lab work, x-rays, EKGs, and certain medications can be dispensed. Occupational health services such as vaccinations, drug screenings, treatment for occupational injuries, and corporate wellness programs will also be offered. Nathan Keith Waldrep, MD, director of physician services, says “We believe this location will be a benefit to residents, as well as the area’s seasonal and vacation visitors who might be far from their regular physician.” BayCare Urgent Care centers will accept most insurance plans and have extended hours. Hours for the Haines City location are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information or to schedule an appointment by phone, call toll-free (855) 252-8453. Patients can also schedule appointments online through BayCareUrgentCare.org for added convenience.
• AS OF DECEMBER 14, WellCare Health Plans has officially opened its Winter Haven Welcome Room. This facility is a local health care information center staffed by knowledgeable associates. Visitors can ask questions about health plans, Medicare and Medicaid, explore their options, and find out if they are eligible for extra benefits. People can even get online to search for more information. The Winter Haven Welcome Room is located at 1380 Sixth Street NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881, in the Publix shopping center. The phone number is (863) 292-2700.
• WATSON CLINIC also opened a new location on December 14, Watson Clinic Bartow Gynecology. This new facility in Bartow will offer a full range of diverse services for women of all ages. Some of the services offered include routine gynecologic care, treatment of irregular bleeding and pelvic pain, menopausal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, bladder issues, osteoporosis, and more. The clinic is headed by board-certified OB-GYN and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon Tarek G. Garas, MD, along with his nurse practitioner Nicole K. Rule, ARNP-C. Watson Clinic Bartow Gynecology is located at 2000 Osprey Blvd., Suite 100, Bartow, FL 33830. To schedule an appointment at this location, please call (863) 680-7243.
• ADDITIONALLY, Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center welcomes Rubayat Rahman, MD, MPH, a gastroenterology & hepatology physician, to her new medical practice with Heart of Florida Physician Group Gastroenterology & Liver Care. Dr. Rahman helps her patients gain control of their digestive health. She also contributes to medical research in digestive and liver disorders. Her office is accepting new patients at 40124 US Highway 27, Suite 204, Davenport, FL 33837. For more information or to schedule a visit, call (863) 419-2156 or visit HeartOfFloridaPhysicianGroup.com.
These facilities, physicians, and other resources are expanding the medical care options and services currently provided to Polk County residents and visitors. As the region continues to gain an influx of new permanent residents, we can expect more such locally-based and specialty clinics to be added to the healthcare landscape. This means more options when selecting a healthcare provider or in need of urgent care with more convenient locations close to home.
CREDIT
article by TERESA SCHIFFER
