By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
MARTIN COUNTY - Coming up on 10 years in the community, Kenneth Palestrant of Physicians Immediate Care has fine-tuned what his patients need, and dedicated his business to meeting those needs.
"I've been here since 1993, and opened the doors of this business in 2003," Dr. Palestrant said. "And we're continuing to grow."
Now, there are four clinics, employing 70 area residents and seeing thousands of patients annually. His clients even drive from Martin and Okeechobee counties for the quality service at the nearby clinics.
"I saw a need," he said about first opening his doors. "There was a need for people who were going to the emergency department for non-emergency needs."
The business provides urgent care, primary care and wellness care, such as school and Department of Transportation physicals.
"We have morphed from an urgent-care clinic to a convenient-care, general medical practice," Dr. Palestrant said. "The patients don't have to leave the office, and we try to get them in and out in about an hour."
Physicians Immediate Care can perform a varied amount of laboratory work, EKGs, digital X-rays and also uses electronic medical records.
"We can do a complete workup in house," he said. "This gives residents a choice in health care."
Dr. Palestrant understands the needs of patients seeking emergency care. He was medical director of the emergency department at St. Lucie Medical Center from 1993 to 2003.
With that, he also understands the need for quality health care.
"Our reputation precedes us," he said. "We are constantly doing continuing quality improvement, monitoring the performance of everyone from the doctors to the receptionist."
He also credits his staff for the business' success.
"Our offices are a combination of quality health care and exceptional customer service," he said.
"I think we're providing a great service to the community."
Physicians Immediate Care main office is at 4007 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd. in Port St. Lucie. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (772) 343-1774 or go online to www.immedcare.com.