Faculty/staff health practice now offers radiology services, more specialties

Three years after becoming a patient of the FIU Health Faculty Group Practice (FGP), Lymari Robles says she wishes all her doctors were like Yolangel Hernandez Suarez, M.D., FGP’s chief medical officer.

“She’s a very nice person. I have lots of fun every time I go see her. And that’s something you rarely say after seeing the gynecologist,” jokes Robles, who is a coordinator in the Division of Human Resources.

The FGP opened its doors in 2009 to provide faculty and staff with primary, preventive, and specialty care. Word of mouth and great doctor-patient relationships have helped the practice grow significantly in a brief period of time, adding obstetrics, gynecology and rheumatology to their specialty care. Plans are in the works to provide cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology and behavioral health services in early 2012.

Robles can’t wait. “My dermatologist is off campus and I have to take half the day off. If my appointment is at 2 p.m. I know I won’t see the doctor until 3 p.m. At the practice, I show up at my appointment time and in I go,” she says.

Last month, the FGP began offering expanded medical services that includes radiology. With an order from a physician, x-rays of the chest, extremities and abdomen are performed utilizing fully digital x-ray equipment. Images are interpreted by a board certified radiologist. X-rays may be scheduled at the FGP even if you are not an established patient or under the care of an FGP physician, however, your physician must order the service.

Oliver Setien ’10, who has been at FIU for 17 years in UTS Voice Services, says he is really impressed with the services at the FGP. “I feel right at home. They make me feel comfortable. The doctor said to call him anytime. There’s great patient-doctor trust.”

Robles, who got her flu shot at the practice this year, says there’s a more intimate relationship. “Because they knew I don’t like shots, they had the nasal spray ready to go.They make it really easy.”

FGP doctors now also see spouses and adult dependents (18 years and older) of the FIU community.

“This is quality clinical care in your own setting,” says Dr. Hernandez Suarez. “You don’t have to seek medical care outside of the FIU family.”

The FGP accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield, AvMed, United HealthCare and Coventry. Additional commercial insurance plan contracts are in progress. Visit FGP’s website for updates.

Faculty Group Practice hours:

Monday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday 8 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit the FGP’s website or call 305-348-DOCS (3627).