SPACE COAST MEDICINE: Internist Dr. Robert Udell Features Concierge Medical Practice On Merritt Island
By Space Coast Daily // January 21, 2020
Has Three Decades Of Experience Across the Spectrum of Medicine
SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Internist Dr. Robert Udell now features a concierge medical practice in Merritt Island. Concierge medicine offers a highly personalized approach in which the physician limits his number of patients in order to allow for a comprehensive, individualized approach to those who seek his help.
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRIT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Most of us have endured waiting for days for a medical appointment in order to wait for hours to see an overworked physician who can only give us a few minutes of his time before going on to his next patient.
We’ve been stuck for what seems like an eternity at urgent care facilities teeming with sniffling children. We’ve been made to feel part of a medical assembly line.
There must be a better way to receive medical services, and now there is. It is called concierge medicine, the type of practice that Merritt Island internist Dr. Robert Udell opened in February.
Concierge medicine offers a highly personalized approach in which the physician limits his number of patients in order to allow for a comprehensive, individualized approach to those who seek his help.
To patients used to traditional medical offices, Dr. Udell’s way of doing business can seem amazing.
“A lot of the constraints in medicine that we now have are basically eliminated with this model since it allows for more time with the patient and more access to the physician,” explained Dr. Udell.
Dr. Udell brings to his new practice more than three decades of experience across the spectrum of medicine. Board-certified in internal medicine, he is well-versed in both outpatient medicine and hospital medicine.
Dr. Udell ran a successful private practice for many years, taught at a Florida hospital and served inner-city patients. From 2014 until last year, he served as a hospitalist at Rockledge Regional Medical Center, with a year’s stint at Brevard’s outpatient Veterans’ Administration clinic.
“I’ve done just about everything in medicine,” he said.
High Level of Service
The move to concierge medicine was prompted by Udell’s desire to better serve his patients.
“Concierge medicine is tailor-made for me because I want to give my patients all the time they need,” he said.
Jerry and Gayle Rubin, two of Dr. Udell’s first patients in his new concierge practice, were patients in his traditional practice. Last year, when the Massachusetts snowbirds ran into serious medical difficulties in Brevard, they turned to Dr. Udell for help, even though he was not their doctor at the time.
Jerry had to undergo an emergency pacemaker procedure after a bout of intensive dizzy spells, and Dr. Udell was there for him every step of the way, suggesting cardiologists and seeing that he was being well taken care of in intensive care.
“He wasn’t even my doctor at the time and he would call five or six times a day to make sure everything was okay,” said Rubin.
Not long after, Gayle found herself losing spinal fluid from a nerve block that had not properly sealed. Dr. Udell referred her to a neurologist and again maintained close contact with the couple until the issue was resolved.
When the Rubins found out Dr. Udell was opening a concierge practice, they promptly signed up.
“No one compares to him,” said Gayle.
Six months ago, Wieand’s friends noticed something wasn’t right with him, that he was uncharacteristically anxious.
“I had to admit something had changed, said Wieand. “I was prone to fits of anger, was not sleeping well and was bothered by a feeling of general malaise.”
Wieand discovered his blood pressure was 167/98. Wieand wasn’t unduly worried, because he had been blessed with good health all his life. This would surely pass.
Unfortunately, the blood pressure remained elevated. Because high blood pressure leads to stroke, heart issues and kidney pressure. Wieand approached Dr. Udell, whom he knew through a mutual acquaintance. He figured it would be a couple of weeks before the doctor would be able to see him.
“To my surprise, he asked “ how soon can you come to my office?” said Wieand.
“He, and not some physician assistant, interviewed me. We delved into my family history and my lifestyle. At the end of our session, Dr. Udel reassured me, “we are going to do whatever it takes to get you feeling good again.”
Even before I left his office, he had already phoned in a prescription to my preferred pharmacy. That evening, Dr. Udell called to ask if I had picked up my prescription and to make certain that I would start my medication as directed. What doctor does that?”
Wieand has stuck with Dr. Udell’s instruction. His last blood pressure ready was 126/79.
“I am feeling good again, but most reassuring of all, I essentially have a private physician hat will do “whatever it takes to restore my good health and sense of wellbeing. In this day of deteriorating health care for the average American, Dr. Robert Udell is truly a rare find.”
Like all of Dr. Udell’s concierge patients, Wieand and the Rubins will have 24/7 access to the physician via the office, email, texting or personal cell phone.
Patients are guaranteed same-day sick visits Monday through Fridays and even on weekends if necessary. Prescription refills will also be handled on a same-day basis. They are promised little wait time after arrival to the office.
Keeping Patients Healthy
Dr. Udell will expedite coordination of care with specialists and complete any forms needed to authorized medications, home health care services, time off from work, etc. He will care for patients at hospitals, nursing homes and patients’ residences as needed.
“I view each patient as a whole rather than as a single symptom to be treated,” said Dr. Udell. “My focus is on keeping patients healthy, not just on treating sick patients.”
Dr. Robert Udell’s office is at 255 N. Sykes Creek Parkway, Suite 101, Merritt Island. He offers a free consultation to help patients determine if concierge medicine suits their needs. To schedule an appointment, call 321-338-7885.
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