PPOA Patient Care Champion: Tracy Henderson

Tracy Henderson: Practice Manager

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Tracy Henderson, Practice Manager of our Jacksonville and Orange Park clinics, as a PPOA Patient Care Champion.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Tracy graduated from Sherwood Christian Academy before majoring in Psychology at South Georgia Tech. Her career journey began far from the healthcare field. For nearly a decade, she worked as a legal assistant, and for seven years she also worked as a personal trainer—roles that gave her strong organizational skills and a passion for helping others improve their lives. Those qualities now shine brightly in her role at PPOA.

Since joining PPOA in April 2023, Tracy has been the go-to person for nearly everything that keeps a busy clinic running smoothly. Her daily responsibilities include scheduling appointments, handling authorizations and pre-authorizations for medications, coordinating with providers and reps, managing payroll, organizing marketing efforts, following up with patients after procedures, ordering supplies and pump medications, and supporting the needs of both patients and staff. She leads her team with a calm, focused demeanor, creating a supportive and efficient environment where patients feel cared for and employees feel empowered.

Tracy’s inspiration for working in healthcare stems from her belief in making people’s lives easier—especially when they’re struggling with chronic pain. “When a patient is in pain all the time, even small daily tasks feel impossible,” she says. “Many come in feeling hopeless. When we’re able to relieve that pain—even just a little—it gives them back a part of their life. That moment when they tell you they went to Disney with their grandkids, or danced at a family BBQ… that’s the magic. That’s why I do this.”

Her impact is recognized by colleagues and leadership alike. Susan Hoskins, Director of Business Development, shared: “Tracy consistently goes above and beyond to help bring new business into our clinics. She’s always friendly and helpful to our patients, offering the compassion and TLC they need. She’s also a tremendous support to our providers and leads her operations team with efficiency and care, creating the ideal environment for both patients and staff.”

Outside of work, Tracy is a proud mom of one daughter and two sons. When she’s not managing clinic operations or making patients smile, she enjoys scuba diving, football, hockey, fishing, hunting, and just about any activity involving water.

PPOA is honored to have Tracy Henderson as part of our team. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership truly make her a Patient Care Champion.

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Christine Senquis

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Christine Senquis: Clinic & Medical Lead, Kissimmee, FL

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

At PPOA, we celebrate our dedicated team members who consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to providing exceptional care. One such individual is Christine Senquis, Clinic & Medical Lead at our Kissimmee, FL location. Christine has been an integral part of our team since 2023, and her passion for healthcare is reflected in every interaction she has with patients and colleagues alike.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and raised in Levittown, Christine’s journey into healthcare has been driven by her desire to help those in need. After completing her medical education at the Escuela de Medicina (UNAL) in Monterrey, Mexico, she pursued a certification as a Medical Assistant at Florida Technical College in 2007. Since then, she’s gained experience in primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, cardiology, surgery, and pain management. Christine’s varied background, including time in the TV and entertainment industry, has shaped her into a dynamic leader with a heart for service.

Christine embodies the values that PPOA holds dear—Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, and Empathy (S.I.T.E.). Every day brings something new in her role, whether triaging patients, ensuring the clinic runs smoothly, or providing much-needed support to her team and providers. Her love for helping patients shines through in the respect, care, and open communication she fosters, ensuring each patient feels safe and valued.

As one patient review perfectly captures, “Christine is the heart of the clinic. She is essential in every aspect and is truly very good at everything she does.” Her ability to lead with empathy and precision makes her indispensable to both her colleagues and patients.

When she’s not working, Christine dedicates time to a cause close to her heart—helping and feeding the homeless in her community. A proud mother of two, her family is the cornerstone of her life, including her 20-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter.

Christine’s commitment to patient care is truly inspiring, and we are honored to recognize her as one of our Patient Care Champions. Thank you, Christine, for your unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of our patients and for exemplifying the true meaning of compassionate care.

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The Evolution of Physician Partners of America: A Journey to Specialized Care

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Physician Partners of America (PPOA) has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Initially, PPOA offered a wide range of healthcare services, including pain management, health and counseling, orthopedics, neuro spine, primary care, and podiatry. However, they have now streamlined their focus to become a specialized interventional pain management group and multispecialty Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) service provider. This evolution reflects a strategic decision made by Josh Helms, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tampa, to refine their identity, improve patient outcomes, and provide more targeted care.

The Diverse Beginnings

A Broad-Spectrum Approach

When Physician Partners of America was first established, the organization embraced a broad-spectrum approach to healthcare. By offering various services under one umbrella, PPOA aimed to cater to a broad range of patient needs. This approach included:

  1. Pain Management: Providing relief for chronic pain through various treatments and therapies.
  2. Health and Counseling: Offering mental health support and counseling services.
  3. Orthopedics: Addressing musculoskeletal issues and injuries.
  4. Neuro Spine: Diagnose and treat injuries, trauma and diseases related to the spine.
  5. Primary Care: Serving as the first point of contact for general health concerns.
  6. Podiatry: Treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb.

Challenges of a Broad-Spectrum

While the broad-spectrum model allowed PPOA to reach a wide patient base, it also presented challenges. Managing diverse specialties under one organization can lead to a lack of cohesive identity and make it difficult to establish a strong brand presence. Additionally, patients might find it challenging to understand the full scope of services offered.

The Shift Towards Specialization

Recognizing the Need for Focus

As the healthcare landscape evolved, so did the needs and expectations of patients. There was a growing demand for specialized care, particularly in the field of interventional pain management. PPOA’s CEO, Josh Helms, recognized that to provide the highest quality care, they needed to narrow their focus and hone their expertise in a specific area.

Strategic Revamping

In response to this realization, PPOA embarked on a strategic revamp initiative. This involved:

  1. Assessing Patient Needs: Conducting thorough market research to understand the primary needs and concerns of their patient base.
  2. Refining Vision: Centered focus around providing exceptional interventional pain management services.

The New Identity: An Interventional Pain Management Group & Multispecialty ASC Service Provider

Focused Expertise

Today, Physician Partners of America proudly identifies as a dedicated interventional pain management group. This transformation has allowed them to concentrate their efforts on developing cutting-edge pain relief techniques and therapies. By specializing in interventional pain management, PPOA can offer:

  1. Advanced Treatments: Utilizing the latest technology and medical advancements to provide effective pain relief.
  2. Personalized Care Plans: Creating tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
  3. Comprehensive Pain Management: Offering a full spectrum of interventional pain management services, from diagnostic evaluations to interventional procedures and ongoing support.

Alongside specializing in interventional pain management, they also identify as a multispecialty ASC service provider. They have multiple ASCs where surgeons of many different specialties can perform outpatient surgeries and procedures in state-of-the-art facilities.

Improved Patient Outcomes

The shift to a specialized interventional pain management and multispecialty ASC services has led to improved patient outcomes. With a dedicated team of interventional pain management specialists and multispecialty ASCs, PPOA can provide more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments, and a higher level of patient care. This specialization has also enhanced their reputation, making them a trusted name in the field of pain management.

Conclusion

The evolution of Physician Partners of America from a broad-spectrum healthcare provider to a specialized interventional pain management group and multispecialty ASC service provider is a testament to their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. By focusing on interventional pain management and multispecialty ASC services, PPOA has been able to refine their identity, improve patient outcomes, and establish themselves as leaders in their field. This transformation highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic focus in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

 

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Zoraida Exiga

Zoraida Exiga: Medical Assistant, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

Zoraida Exiga embodies the values of a true Patient Care Champion. Zoraida is the Medical Assistant at PPOA’s Lakewood Ranch clinic in Florida. She offers our patients excellent care and helps them feel comfortable and welcome at PPOA.

Zoraida has lived in the Tampa Bay Florida area her entire life. She was born in Tampa, raised in Riverview and she now lives in Ruskin, FL. She attended East Bay High School in Riverview, FL and then went on to receive her Medical Assistant Certificate from Concorde Career Institute in Tampa, FL.

Zoraida joined the PPOA family in 2021. She completed an internship at our Sun City Center clinic and then floated from clinic to clinic when needed. She then went on permanently as a medical assistant at our Lakewood Ranch clinic. As a medical assistant, some of her day-to-day responsibilities include taking patients vitals, updating patient charts, performing prior authorizations for medications, answering phone calls and emails, making sure the exam rooms are stocked and cleaned after each patient and making sure the clinic is overall clean at the end of the day.

Zoraida is bilingual in English and Spanish which is extremely beneficial for our Spanish speaking patients. She says, “Being a Mexican American, I understand the many struggles that individuals have with language barriers. I have witnessed personal scenarios where there were language barriers that did not end well. I have always wanted to work in the medical field but seeing so many individuals struggle with getting the proper care they need due to language barriers has made me want to join the healthcare environment and use my voice to be their interpreter and help them get the same care as any other individual. Being at PPOA I have been the only bilingual MA at both Sun City and Lakewood Ranch clinics and I have helped many patients get the care they need. Patients are very appreciative of me translating for them whenever possible.”

Zoraida is a pivotal member of the clinical staff. “Being my only medical assistant in Lakewood Ranch, Zoraida works hard day in and day out. She is very timely and strives to make sure the patient is taken care of. Whether it is just having a simple conversation with them about their day or working to complete prior authorizations for medications/imaging, patients are appreciative,” Eric Alvarez, VP of Clinic Operations says.

PPOA applauds Zoraida for her hard work and thanks her for all that she does. She is truly a Patient Care Champion.

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Physician Partners of America welcomes Dr. Rinoo Shah to our Fort Worth practice

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Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is pleased to announce the addition of a new board-certified pain medicine specialist to its Fort Worth, TX practice.

Dr. Rinoo Vasant Shah, M.D., M.B.A., is board certified in pain medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation. He has been practicing medicine since 1995 and completed a residency in clinical anesthesia at Cornell University Medical Center and an accredited fellowship in pain medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The university recognized Dr. Shah as their most outstanding teacher and faculty member. He joins PPOA after practicing as an interventional pain physician at Baylor Scott and White in Dallas. Dr. Shah has also served as a clinical professor of anesthesiology at LSUHSC Shreveport.

“I am excited to join Physician Partners of America and look forward to contributing my experience to this practice,” says Dr. Shah. “PPOA has an exceptional reputation for patient treatment, compassionate pain management, and patient advocacy.”

Dr. Shah has served in clinical pain management roles in Texas, Pennsylvania, and New York and is currently licensed to practice medicine in New York, Texas, and Louisiana. He has also served as the program director for a multidisciplinary pain fellowship and the director of chronic pain services at Ochsner-Louisiana University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He has been recognized by Becker’s among 150 Pain Physicians to Know. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology, and medicine from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

A prolific medical writer and editor, Dr. Shah’s works have appeared in PAIN Practice, Pain Physician, Spine, and the Clinical Journal of Pain. He has authored peer-reviewed publications in top medical journals and publishers on advanced interventional pain procedures, novel approaches, patient safety, malpractice litigation, patient outcomes, palliative care, evidence-based medicine, and patient access to interventional care. In addition, he has served on the boards of the American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.

With the addition of the services Dr. Shah brings to PPOA, PPOA will offer more solutions for more patients, giving livelihoods back through personalized, long-term pain treatment.

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A Powerful Pain-fighting Partnership

Physician Partners of America constantly strives to stay on the cutting edge of surgical techniques for pain management. One of the most modern and effective tools is neuro-modulation, which involves implanting a small device near one’s spinal cord that alters nerve activity through targeted stimulus delivery, such as electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body. Because the incision is small, recovery is swift, and the device starts working immediately to address the patient’s chronic pain.

One of the most common sources of chronic pain is Painful Diabetic Neuropathy (PDN), which affects up to half of those who have diabetes. Taking the form of numbness, tingling, and pain, most frequently in the extremities, PDN is a severe problem for millions of Americans. To better serve them, PPOA is proud to announce a partnership with Nevro, a medical device company headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Nevro’s HFX device is the only spinal cord stimulation system approved by the FDA with a specific indication for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. That unique indication results from years of investments in clinical trials culminating with the largest-ever randomized control trial evaluating spinal cord stimulation for PDN. The device demonstrated exceptional outcomes across responder rates, pain relief, and a sensory response in that trial.

PPOA will offer the HFX device at every pain management location, providing a proven alternative for those patients for whom medication has not been effective. Via a process called “direct neural inhibition,” the device reduces the hyperactivity of wide dynamic range neurons implicated in chronic pain and can be tailored to each patient without uncomfortable side effects – 88% of patients prefer the 10 kHz therapy HFX provides.

The partnership with Nevro will allow PPOA to further its mission of providing long-lasting relief to those with chronic pain. To learn more about the HFX device and if it can help you with PDN, please connect with us on social media or call your local PPOA center.

 

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Teresa Alvarado

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Teresa Alvarado: Practice Manager, Keller, Texas

 Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

As a dedicated PPOA employee since 2016, Teresa Alvardo’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized last year for her ability to exceed expectations and efficiently service patients in the Dallas area. Once again,  she has been deemed our “PPOA super star” in Texas and nominated as a Patient Care Champion for her personal and professional success.

According to her Senior Director of Clinic Operations in Dallas,  she has come up with  creative solutions as well. Theresa is piloting an initiative to improve timelines for authorizations and increase procedure conversions. The Results? The office has seen a 17% increase in completed cases. “Teresa’s dedication to TPRG Keller and Dr. Heil is top notch and is reflected in the clinics growth and positive patient outcomes,” explains Rhonda Boysen, Regional Director Clinic Operations.

When asked about her experience at PPOA, she commented: “I have really enjoyed working at PPOA.  I have been given the chance to implement my ideas partnering up with a doctor that is very meticulous with quality patient care. My passion has been  about improving  accuracy to provide quality care, which in turn increases productivity and patient satisfaction.”

As the pandemic rages on well in to 2021, Teresa has gone above and beyond to make sure the practice continues to run Covid-free and smoothly.

Teresa was born in McAllen, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley.  She studied Health Information Management at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois. Eventually she made her way back to Texas and has been there for about 5 years now.

Teresa has worked in the medical field for 25 years. She started her journey as a Medical Assistant for pediatrics for about 9 years and then continued as a Medical Assistant for another 3 years in family practices. She then expanded her healthcare knowledge into the insurance field. She was a medical insurance manger for 3 years and then went into coding and billing for 4 years.

As a Practice Manager Teresa has many duties. Some of her duties include assuring patients are correctly scheduled, reaching out to patients regarding procedures, clinical visit requirements, issues or concerns, assisting with the check-in/out process, addressing any concerns or tasks providers or medical assistants may have, and she even helps triage patients.

PPOA applauds Teresa for her hard work and thanks her for all that she does. She is truly a Patient Care Champion.

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Elizabeth Gonzalez

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Elizabeth Gonzalez: Team Lead, Habana, Tampa, FL –

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

As clinical team lead in PPOA’s busy Habana pain clinic, Elizabeth Gonzalez is responsible for four employees and up to 80 patients a day, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I feel such a sense of accomplishment to help others, even if it’s just a minimal issue,” she says. “Especially with our specialty, patients are in pain, they are aggravated already and making their day easer is very gratifying.”

A native of Miami, Gonzalez was in and out of doctors’ offices with health challenges as a child. She noticed how accommodating certain nurses were with her mother, making a frustrating situation easier to handle. “I decided,” she said, “that I wanted to be that person.”

Gonzalez has worked for Physician Partners of America for one year and recently graduated with her AA degree in Health Service Administration from Keiser University. She came to PPOA after working as an endoscopic tech/office supervisor in a gastroenterology practice.

“In healthcare, just because you are not a doctor or a nurse practitioner, it doesn’t matter,” she says. “You are part of the patient’s treatment plan.”

Gonzalez not only runs the Habana office; she doesn’t hesitate to travel to other PPOA clinics when they are shorthanded.

“She is always going above and beyond, helping any clinic that needs it,” says Eric Alvarez, regional clinical supervisor. “She is always available to patients and always willing to assist.”

Gonzalez and her family live in Valrico, Fla., a suburb of Tampa. She enjoys reading, especially romance novels.  

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PPOA Patient Care Champion – Lelia “Lee” Nichols

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Lelia Nichols, Nurse Practitioner, North Dallas, TX –

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

Lelia “Lee” Nichols, RN, MSN, NP-C, has been a part of the Physician Partners of America family since 2017 and is known for her gentle way with the people who come to PPOA’s North Dallas clinic. “I love to spend time with patients, educate them, and get to know them,” Nichols says.

She is also devoted to her coworkers. “Your team is a big part of what keeps you happy and coming to work each day,” she adds.

Her peers return the sentiment.

“Lee is the most skilled nurse practitioner and advanced practice provider I’ve ever had the privilege to work with,” says Dr. Demaceo Howard, who worked at the North Dallas office with Nichols before his recent move to PPOA’s Frisco office.

Rhonda Boysen, PPOA Regional Director of Clinic Operations for Texas and California, says, “Lee is a true leader and patient champion, always focusing on quality patient care. She is also a leader amongst her colleagues and is always willing to assist in any area of clinical operations, including mentoring newly hired advanced practice providers.”

A native of Georgia, Nichols moved several times as a child but was reared mostly in Nashville and Houston. One thing did not change: even as a child, she knew where life would lead her. “I have always loved to take care of people,” she says. “I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field even at a young age.” She volunteered at the nurse’s office in high school, and knew for certain what her path would be.

Nichols received her Bachelor of Nursing at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and worked as a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Mount Sinai in New York. She then obtained her MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Baylor University in Waco, TX. She also worked as an adjunct professor for clinicals at Baylor’s College of Nursing.

A mother of two, Lee enjoys reading, exercise and tennis in her spare time.

Her expertise and heart for both her team and patients make her our newest PPOA Patient Care Champion.

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Drive-through or Home Visit, PPOA Has You Covered for COVID-19 testing

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Tampa COVID-19 Testing Gives PCR Results in as little as 24 Hours

Physician Partners of America drive-through and at-home Covid testing came along at just the right moment to assist thousands of people with timely results, and still does. Whether one wants concierge service or to drive up and go, PPOA offer excellent options for rapid test results.

“Since our drive-through site opened, about 5,000 people have taken advantage of the service,” said Rekha Rajan-Wilson, PPOA Vice President of Compliance and Risk. “PPOA is honored to be able to serve our community with this added service.”

“Since its introduction, over 750 people have also taken advantage of the VIP option,” said Rajan-Wilson. “We knew that many people would appreciate the VIP service and they still do. The benefits of at-home test isn’t just added convenience but also as an extra step of care if you already have symptoms and wish to isolate.”

The VIP service has been an ideal choice for people who live within 20 miles of the office to get an at-home or office-based test, where a PPOA employee comes to them. “They’re asking us to come into their home, test the families, getting them results within 24 hours. They’re in the comfort of their own home, so I think they feel a little bit more at ease that way,” Rajan-Wilson said.

PPOA offers two different types of tests – diagnostic and antibody tests. PPOA’s PCR testing is 24 hour turnaround and sometimes even the same day.

With the diagnostic test, a person may know if they have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate themself from others.

The antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by a person’s immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus and may stay in the blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection.

“We intend to keep our Tampa site open as long as there’s a community need,” said Rajan-Wilson.

Testing is open to anyone with or without symptoms. All insurances are accepted for the test that returns results in 72 hours. Both options offer the nasal swab and PCR testing which is 99.9% accurate.

The drive-thru site is located at 3450 E Fletcher Ave, Tampa 33613

Appointments are required. People must pre-register at ppoalabtest.com or by calling 855-630-SWAB(7922). A representative will call back with a time slot.

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