Doctor offers concierge family medical service
Dr. Ofer Shustik opened his West Palm Beach family practice in October.
The West Palm family practice offers house calls, same-day appointments and access to the physician’s cellphone number.
Dr. Ofer Shustik is the medical director of Coordinated Health West Palm Beach, a new concierge family practice offering house calls, same-day appointments and access to the physician’s cellphone number.
The practice, on Flagler Drive just north of downtown West Palm Beach, specializes in multigenerational family care, providing “one-stop” visits for parents and children (ages 2 and up) who want to bundle appointments. Weekend and evening appointments are also available.
Shustik, who has more than 20 years of experience treating families, opened the practice in October.
“I strive to have a true and thorough understanding of my patient’s medical history and also their concerns, which allows me to tailor an individualized plan intended to prevent disease and allow for a healthier, happy and well-balanced life,” Shustik said.
Concierge medicine has become a popular alternative for patients who want better access to their doctors.
For more money, patients can get specialized attention from doctors, including house calls, longer visits and immediate scheduling of appointments.
Coordinated Health West Palm Beach also accepts insurances and Medicare for concierge members.
Name: Dr. Ofer Shustik
Age: 56
Hometown: Tel Aviv, Israel
Where you live now: Palm Beach Gardens
About your company: Coordinated Health West Palm Beach is a concierge primary care family practice located in the Victor Farris Building next to Good Samaritan Medical Center. We treat patients ages 2 and up and specialize in precision, preventative care that is evidence-based. Our members pay an annual fee to have 24-hour access to my dedicated patient cellphone, same-day appointments, in-home visits, coordination of care while traveling and other personalized services. We also accept insurances and Medicare.
How your business has changed: We are seeing a growing trend toward concierge care, because many physicians — and their patients — prefer having more one-on-one time to fully review health care needs and goals. With all the changes to the health care landscape, my patients appreciate knowing they and their families can see me on their schedule, with no time limits. They like knowing one doctor is “quarterbacking” the family’s care to keep everyone healthy before medical issues even arise.
First break in the business: It wasn’t so much a break, but during my residency, I learned that medicine isn’t a job, it’s a way of life. You can be a great doctor, but if you don’t really care about your patients, you won’t be able to translate your skills as well to them.
Best book you ever read: “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari.
Best piece of business advice you ever received: I had a mentor who told me to always treat my patients as if they were members of my own family. I have lived by that, and it has served me well.
What you tell young people about your business: My best piece of advice is similar to what my mentor told me — if you really enjoy caring for others, then being a doctor is the best job in the world and you will never “work” a day in your life. If you see it only as a paycheck, you’ll be miserable.
What do you see ahead for Palm Beach County? I opened my practice
here because Palm Beach County is a wonderful area to work in medicine, with many skilled providers and cutting-edge advancements. I believe concierge care will continue to be an area of growth in the local health care industry. Palm Beach County residents expect great health care services, and concierge care only enhances the patient experience.
What is the most important trait you look for when hir i ng? Dedication and knowledge. It was important to me when I opened my office that we have a registered nurse on staff because I believe concierge care requires skilled staff- ing. Our family nurse practitioner, Danielle Garcia, is a tremendous asset to the practice.
Favorite smartphone app: Waze — I’m still getting used to driving in South Florida.
Where we can find you when you are not at the office: I love enjoying the beautiful Florida weather, so usually I’m spending time with family outside, going on bike rides or walks.