Make Pain a Thing of the Past – Location News – Physician Partners of America

Hello West Palm Beach! New South Florida Surgery Center opening in Q1 2022

PPOA is excited to announce the future opening of Palm Beach Outpatient Surgery Center in West Palm Beach, FL. This new multispecialty center will treat chronic pain. In addition, we will offer services to orthopedic, spine, GI, and ophthalmology patients across the South Florida coast. With the addition of this new ambulatory surgery center in the first quarter of 2022, we are meeting goals for a multi-year expansion plan across Florida and the greater Southeast. 

West Palm Beach is a metropolitan area with over 110,000 residents, 18% over 65. As specialists for geriatric patients, it is vital for PPOA physicians that we reach these retired communities and provide them with the care they need to live fulfilling lives pain-free. In addition, our varying services can help older patients reduce the number of medications they take for pain and improve mobility for everything they want to do in life. 

At PPOA, we believe in treating the person, not the symptoms. Unfortunately, many younger and retired patients are often prescribed opioid painkillers for the conditions we treat. Unfortunately, prescriptions won’t fix the problems they’re experiencing but instead numb the symptoms with decreasing efficacy. Eventually, patients become reliant on these medications and can develop addictions over time if they do not receive alternative treatments to alleviate their pain. 

In 2019, 9.7 million Americans misused prescription opioids. That’s over 96% of total opioid misuse in America. The other 4%, consisting of illicit opioid abuse, are a small fraction of those addicted to these powerful substances. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that prescription painkillers can be just as addictive if not taken correctly under a physician’s supervision. PPOA is committed to fighting the opioid epidemic at its source — preventing chronic pain and giving patients an alternative to prescription painkillers. 

We believe that with the proper preventative care, anyone can live pain-free and medication-free. That is why we are so excited to expand our services into West Palm Beach and beyond. 

To learn more about the grand opening of this new surgery center, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn. 

/by

New North Florida Surgery Center Opening in Q1 2022

PPOA is excited to announce the future opening of Jacksonville Outpatient Surgery Center in Orange Park, FL. This new ambulatory surgery center will open its doors by the end of Q1 2022, helping hundreds of new patients with chronic pain, orthopedic, spine, GI, and ophthalmology issues. This building is part of a multi-year expansion plan across Florida and the greater Southeast. 

The new ambulatory surgery center will specialize in treating pain patients, treating conditions ranging from sports injuries to joint pain, herniated discs, sciatica, and more. By providing surgical options for patients in chronic pain, we aim to actively combat the opioid crisis that affects over 10 million Americans every year. 

Orange Park is in the greater Jacksonville area, one of the most populated areas of Florida. Yet, despite its population density, many patients struggle to find affordable chronic pain care due to a lack of reputable physicians and high prices that make many surgical and medical interventions inaccessible. This surgery center will also help residents in suburban areas of Jacksonville find pain services closer to home, minimizing travel time and increasing quality of care. 

Over 20% of the Orange Park population is over 65, a primary market for PPOA to serve. In addition, we see many retired patients struggling to lead the lifestyles they want due to chronic pain, spinal injuries, orthopedic and joint pain, or a dependence on medications. We are often the last resort for patients who are tired of half measures to treat their pain. When they come to PPOA, they can hope for a pain-free and medication-free future. 

PPOA focuses on long-term solutions, including surgical interventions and pain management plans that treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. Each of our patients deals with individual problems, from the woman unable to pick up her grandkids pain-free to a young professional unable to travel and enjoy life without GI issues. We take these disruptions to our patient’s quality of life seriously and offer them a second chance to experience life without pain. 

PPOA is hopeful and excited about the change we will make with this new Jacksonville Outpatient Surgery Center. By 2025, we hope to have new surgery centers like this one spanning North and Central Florida, providing affordable care to patients who need it most. To learn more about our expansion across Florida, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn. 

/by

GI Surgery: Sun City Ambulatory Surgery Center

,

Sun City Ambulatory Surgery Center, a partnership with PPOA, is partnering with surgeons from across Hillsborough County to start treating gastrointestinal patients by the end of the year. This expansion of services will provide affordable, convenient healthcare options to Hillsborough County, currently an underserved market. With over 60 million Americans suffering from digestive diseases nationwide, these services are guaranteed to make an immediate impact on the local community and patients throughout Florida. 

The Sun City Ambulatory Surgery Center was established in 2020 between PPOA and local physician partners to provide outstanding care to Southern Hillsborough County residents. This brand-new facility is tailored to our mission of providing affordable, convenient, and personalized care to patients with all types of pain. Currently, the clinic serves chronic pain, spinal, and orthopedic patients as well as other non-pain-related specialties. However, the addition of gastrointestinal surgical services can advance not only healthcare solutions but the reach of PPOA across Central Florida. 

Hillsborough County is a magnet for retirees, with more than 14% of the population being over 65. As part of Florida’s substantial geriatric market, gastrointestinal care is essential for holistic healthcare. Patients over 65 are at higher risk for gastrointestinal issues than other patients, with issues ranging from issues swallowing to celiac disease and esophageal issues. 

Currently, there are only a handful of established gastroenterologists in the Hillsborough County region. This limits not only the availability of care but gives many regional patients few options for traveling to their preferred clinic. By adding these services, we hope to help patients who have nowhere else to go for their gastrointestinal and pain issues. 

Since the opening of the Sun City Ambulatory Surgery Center in 2020, we’ve been able to serve hundreds of patients and change lives every step of the way. The Sun City facility has two ORs, which gives us the opportunity to provide a more personalized experience for patients and their families. Even by treating a handful of gastrointestinal patients, we aim to make a real impact in the Tampa area healthcare system and give those without other options the chance at a pain-free life. 

We treat not only the disease but try to understand the person and what makes their issues debilitating to their lifestyle. Gastrointestinal diseases can make simple things like eating a meal with family or going on a road trip difficult if not incredibly painful. We believe that food should never be something that causes more pain than joy in your life and provide cutting-edge solutions that bring you lasting relief. 

To learn more about the Sun City Ambulatory Surgery Center, visit their website here.

/by

Expanding on the East Coast

,

PPOA has grown significantly since our founding in 2013. We began with a single office and only three employees, but have since grown to a strong 500+ employees and over 30 locations across Florida, Texas, and California. We have always had a strong presence in Florida. We’re planning to expand that presence even further by adding to our surgery centers along the east coast of Florida from now until 2023. 

PPOA is expanding our ambulatory surgery centers in Orange Park, West Palm Beach and several other cities across the coast. This expansion marks not only progress for our organization, but the expanse of pain solutions for patients in need. Florida was one of the earliest states affected by the opioid epidemic and continues to be at the forefront of fighting prescription drug abuse through legislation and preventative care measures. 

By adding services across Florida, we hope to help fight the increase in opioid overuse and overdoses. Since COVID-19, studies have found a 31% increase in non-prescribed fentanyl use, as well as significant increases in illicit drug usage. With patients not being able to see doctors as regularly, coupled with restrictive lifestyle options and increased isolation, many patients are turning to opioids to curb pain and lessen emotional stress. 

PPOA offers a long-lasting solution for patients who have been given no other options. Our advanced surgical and pain management plans can give patients a real opportunity to live healthy lives unrestricted by constant pain. We care not only about our patient’s pain but what makes their pain debilitating. Were they active parents before an accident made it hard to walk their kids to school? Were they an active runner who now can’t make it out of bed some mornings due to muscle and spine damage? These details are important to our patients, which makes them important to our staff. We want to know what makes your life meaningful, so we can fight harder to bring these moments back to you.

The expansion of our clinics can help the retired population in Florida find innovative solutions for leading an active lifestyle pain-free. Florida is one of the top places in the country for retirees to live, and many want solutions to chronic pain that can facilitate their ability to travel, fish, visit with grandkids, and enjoy their later years without physical burdens. We offer minimally invasive options for our patients to ensure quicker recovery times and reduced pain after surgery. This provides Floridians with the solutions they need for enjoying coastal living to the maximum. 

These expanded surgery centers, along with our established locations across Florida, Texas, and California will make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands. 

To learn more about the opening of our new Florida locations, or to stay up to date on PPOA news, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

/by

Dr. Howard Dedes Joins PPOA California Location

Harvard-trained Specialist Returns to Southern California

Physician Partners of America is proud to announce Dr. Howard Dedes will join its new Fullerton, California practice as a pain management physician. Raised in Southern California, he looks forward to return to his roots after several years of practicing in Quincy, Illinois.

“I am looking forward to returning to my family and joining PPOA,” he says.

Dr. Dedes earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology from the University of California – San Diego and his medical degree from the University of California Los Angeles – David Geffen School of Medicine. He completed his internship at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Calif., and his residency at a UCLA multi-campus program that includes the Veterans Administration, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

He completed a fellowship in Interventional Pain Medicine at Harvard Medical School – Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“When I decided to pursue pain management as a career, I wanted to be able to provide treatment that allows patients to have a better quality of life without medication’s side effects. I wanted to allow them to be present for their families,” he says.

Dr. Dedes served in the United States Navy, primarily as a hospital corpsman and field medical trainer, between 1993 and 1997. He earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal and other awards before being honorably discharged.

He has participated in a wide variety of research, and presented and been published in peer reviewed journals, abstracts and posters on a variety of medical subjects. He has also lectured at Harvard Medical School, UCLA, Cedars Sinai Medical Center and others.

“I try to focus on restoring a patient’s function and reducing pain without relying on opioids. That’s my goal,” he says. “I am also excited about the possibility of regenerative medicine that allows patients to heal themselves without medication.”

His drive to help others is not limited to the clinic. Dr. Howard Dedes has long volunteered his time giving free physical exams to disadvantaged high school students, and performing health screenings for the uninsured Latino community and the homeless around Los Angeles. He serves on the board of the Advocacy Network for Children, which helps abused and neglected children find shelter and legal resources.

“I enjoy helping others, especially those who are disadvantaged and young, with no way of finding the proper resources or advocating for themselves,” he says.

Dr. Howard Dedes is a member of the American Medical Association, American Board of Anesthesiology, California Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, California Medical Association and the Los Angeles County Medical Association.

The clinic is located inside of Alliance Surgical Center, 295 Imperial Hwy., Fullerton, CA 92835. Call 714-770-8400 for an appointment.

/by

Dr. Neil Ellis Treats Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patient with Spinraza

,

Pain Management Specialists a Good Choice to Inject Spinraza –

Dr. Neil Ellis changes lives every day as a pain management specialist with Physician Partners of America’s Tampa – Habana clinic. A serendipitous phone call created a diversion that is allowing him to change lives outside the pain management realm.

He was recently called upon to administer a new medication called Spinraza to a patient who lives with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). A relatively rare and progressive genetic disease, SMA causes the body to contort and become unable to hold up the torso. Patients gradually lose motor function in the lower and sometimes upper torso.

“Spinraza helps with changing the way genetics are programming a specific type of protein sequence and helps these patients gain muscular strength back,” Dr. Ellis says. “While a patient who is unable to walk will not regain that ability, he or she will be able to operate a motorized wheelchair more effectively.”

The patient, Ben Carpenter, 24, of Orlando, understands Spinraza won’t reverse the progression of the disease he was born with, but he already feels a difference.

“It has improved my grip strength, I can hold my head up a lot more and I have more energy during the day,” says Carpenter, a mechanical engineer.

Spinraza is a new and extremely costly medication developed specifically for SMA. Not every physician is able to administer it successfully, as the contorted body and orthopedic hardware make the spine difficult to inject.

“A lot of the patients had extensive hardware placed often at very young age to help with trunk strength,” says Dr. Ellis. “There’s an element of bony overgrowth and ton of metal that has been present for a long part of their life, so accessing any of this can be quite tricky.”

The medication is delivered intrathecally; that is, injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal canal. Although Dr. Ellis had not treated a spinal muscular atrophy patient before, intrathecal drug delivery is a common procedure for interventional pain management specialists. He seized the opportunity to help.

So far, it has been successful. “Once you’ve done it, you can mimic the technique on future patients. Each patient is unique, of course, with unique anatomical challenges, but each has the same characteristics.”

Carpenter received four high “loading” doses of Spinraza every two weeks for about three months. He is about to get the first of quarterly “maintenance” doses that he will need for the rest of his life.

Spinraza Treatment in Tampa

“I never thought they’d find a treatment in my lifetime,” says Carpenter. “I am so grateful to Dr. Ellis and the team at Habana. They’ve been fantastic to work with.”

Spinraza is most successful in young children. The therapeutic expectations for adult SMA patients represents a huge range of results, but the result can be greater muscle strength or a slowing of the condition’s progression.

“They may be able to use their arms and can operate a power chair, or hold up their head better,” says Dr. Ellis. “If you can give them enough strength so they can navigate their way through their environment, they can have a more normal life.”

“I never thought they’d find a treatment in my lifetime,” says Carpenter. “I am so grateful to Dr. Ellis and the team at Habana. They’ve been fantastic to work with.”

/by

Dr. Jorge Leal Offers Compassionate Interventional Pain Management in Tampa

,

Dr. Jorge Leal is double board-certified in Pain Medicine in Anesthesiology. He is a longtime pain management specialist with Physician Partners of America at its flagship Tampa location on Habana Avenue. He treats all neck and back pain conditions in a direct yet caring manner and is fluent in both Spanish and English.

Dr. Leal (pronounced lee-AL) uses a wide spectrum of pain relief treatments including injections, spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal pain pumps and minimally invasive procedures using special lasers when needed. Overall, he has more than 30 years of experience managing all pain conditions.

His patient-focused care, interest in the mind-body connection and extensive experience have earned him a loyal following.

Patient J. says: “Science-based doctor. He’s been seeing the most difficult patients for his entire career. This is the guy to see for real treatment. Go elsewhere if you want to be told what you want to hear instead of what’s real.”

Patient M.P. tells Google Reviews: “Dr. Leal is GREAT, very frank and to the point. Willing to listen, try new approaches and change if something isn’t working. I recommend Dr. Leal to everyone with back pain.”

Patient J.T. writes: “Dr. Jorge Leal is a fine physician. He is kind, easy to talk to, smart and knows his stuff. ”

Patient A.B. writes: “Dr. Jorge Leal was well worth the wait in the office. He took his time with me and helped me get on the right meds… I would definitely recommend him to anyone in chronic pain.”

M.H., a Spanish-speaker, writes: “Le doy 5 estrellas al dr Leal. Es un dr muy dedicado a sus pasientes y a mi me ha ido muy bien con su tratamiento.”

An anonymous patient writes on RateMDs.com: “Before Dr. Leal, I was in severe pain; it was impacting my quality of life. I needed help to get out of bed each morning due to pain. After going to two other doctors and being made to feel like a junkie off the street or a pincushion from so many epidurals… I finally found Dr. Leal. He was able to help me live again!”

Another patient, who has been treated by Dr. Leal for more than 13 years, writes on vitals.com: “I recommend everyone I know who has chronic pain or a condition that causes pain (i.e., lupus, fibromyalgia, migraines, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and complex regional pain syndrome) to Dr. Leal’s practice — I won’t recommend anyone else!”

Dr. Leal got his start in pain management when he completed his residency in anesthesiology at the State University of New York before continuing his career in Florida. He has held several appointments in anesthesiology and pain management.

Make an appointment today at his office, 4730 N. Habana Ave., Tampa, FL 33614 by calling (813) 437-1621 or visiting the location website.

/by

Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo Offers Personalized Pain Care in Tampa

,

Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo, interventional pain management physician in Tampa, has appeared in Tampa Bay Metro magazine’s Doctor of Distinction issue. Dr. Orbegozo prides himself on being able to connect on a personal level with each of his patients. Indeed, he earned 2018 Patients’ Choice and Compassionate Doctor Recognition awards from vitals.com.

“I have always been proud of the fact that if a patient’s name comes up in a question I am able to recall who that patient is, the therapy the patient is undergoing and also who they are personally,” he says. “I believe that to treat pain you have to know as much of the patient as possible not only physically but mentally [and] socially.”

Dr Mauricio Orbegozo Patient reviews

Dr Mauricio Orbegozo patient reviews

His compassion shines through. Here’s what some of his patients say:

C.V. tells Google reviews: “Dr. Orbegozo takes his time to listen to me. He genuinely cares. I’m glad I’m in his care. I wouldn’t change him at all. That’s why I drive from Winter Haven, because he is the best. This is excellent patient care at its best.”

J.L. writes: “A wonderful doctor. He gets a 10 in every area!”

D.S. writes: “One of the best doctors visits I have ever had. He took his time, listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Very satisfied.”

D.P. writes: “He listens, he explains, and most of all he has plenty of patience to explain why you are in pain and what he will do to fix it…  He makes sure you leave that office knowing what is the next step to feeling better.”

Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo Tampa Bay Metro

Courtesy – Tampa Bay Metro, Doctors of Distinction

A second-generation physician from Colombia, Dr. Orbegozo earned his medical degree from Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Bogota. He completed a residency at Loyola University and his fellowship at Texas Tech University at Lubbock. he specializes in treating all chronic pain conditions using a wide array of modalities, including laser procedures and neurostimulator placement.

He is a veteran of the United States Air Force and has contributed to such medical journals as the Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology.

Patients can schedule appointments with Dr. Mauricio Orbegozo at the Fletcher Avenue location near the University of South Florida campus, 3450 E. Fletcher Avenue, Suite #350A, Tampa, FL, 33613. Click the location page or call (813) 437-1636.

He also sees patients at the PPOA Westchase office, 10903 Sheldon Road, Tampa, Fl 33626. Schedule an appointment by clicking the Westchase location page or calling (813) 437-9499.

His offices accept Medicare and most insurance.

/by

Dr. Jose Medina-Sanchez Offers Compassionate Pain Management in Brandon FL

,

Dr. Jose Medina-Sanchez in our Brandon, Fla., location specializes in a few different areas of pain management including the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal, neuromuscular injuries, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and stroke patients. Laser-trained, he uses interventional methods to target pain rather than relying on opioids to mask it.  He is also actively involved in providing rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities.

Dr. Medina-Sanchez puts his patients first and every day looks forward to providing his patients with solutions.

C.W. writes: “Dr. Medina-Sanchez is very a compassionate doctor. During my initial visit I began having spasms while he was examining me and he was very sympathetic and reassuring. I thought he was going to cry. I’m joking about him crying, but he was very concerned about my pain. Obviously I was impressed. ”

J.B. writes: “They care about your pain. Dr. Medina-Sanchez has gotten my pain under control and for years 15 years I was not able to get out of bed or walk. Now I’m able to fly home for my sister’s birthday. It’s been 6 years. I am happy to say that he has given me hope to have a normal life again. I highly recommend Physician Partners of America/Florida Pain Relief Group. The staff is great. If you’re having back pain, he can fix it !!!! Give them a call and hope your experience is as good as mine. Thank you.”

Another patient tells Google Reviews: “Dr Medina was AMAZING!!! So sweet. So kind. He listened & didn’t prejudge my situation. He and I worked together to come up with a long term plan, after he asked me what my goals were. I’ve already recommended him to 2 people & I just had my 1st appointment yesterday. He & his staff are so great!! It makes going to the doctor, which is normally full of anxiety for me, rewarding & something I do not mind doing. I’m so glad I found him & his staff.”

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Jose Medina-Sanchez is a graduate of the University of Connecticut. He completed his residency at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital  in Wheaton, Ill., as Chief Resident. He also then completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Pain Management. That focus in spine and pain management had an impact of his extensive knowledge of non-surgical spinal procedures.

His office is located at 427 S. Parsons Ave., Suite #112, Brandon, FL 33511. Call (813) 285-5335 for an appointment. Same-day appointments are also available. The office accepts Medicare and most insurance.

/by

Dr. Thomas Heil to Join PPOA in Keller, Texas

,

Physician Partners of America announces it has hired Dr. Thomas Heil as an interventional pain management specialist in our Keller, Texas practice. He begins in early July 2019.

Dr. Heil is double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management and treats all pain conditions using a wide variety of modalities. These include neurostimulation and treatment of neuropathic (nerve) pain.

He comes to PPOA from Southeast Pain and Spine Care in Charlotte, North Carolina, and served as its medical director for pain management. He is a member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia, and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

A native of West Virginia, Dr. Thomas Heil earned his medical degree from West Virginia University. He began a residency in General Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., but later decided his passion lay in helping patients relieve their pain. He completed a residency and fellowship training in Anesthesiology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.

He has lectured widely on interventional pain management, cancer pain and other topics, and is listed in Leading Physicians of the World.

/by