Healthcare in Brevard (Merrit/West Melbourne) (Jacksonville, Orlando: living in, vs., centers)

[Taxlesslivemore]

Can anyone tell me how the medical care in Brevard is. My wife and I will hopefully be relocating there before year end. I would like to know how you rate the care, what medical facilities are there, and the availability of Specialists ( Cardiac, Gastro, Surgeons....) Thank You

[clnewman]

I spent a week in Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge last December after a major surgery. Having spent time in health care systems across the country for one thing or another throughout my life, I have to say that this hospital stay was one of the best ever... as hospital stays go. The nursing staff was the absolute best I have had anywhere... particularly CSU and ICU nurses. Food is so-so; but then, it's hospital food.

Thoracic Surgeons: Dr. Guillermo Sanabria and Dr. Sims (they're partners in practice). Absolutely awesome guys Dr. Sanabria is also on the hospital's board of directors. 321.433.3322.

Pulmonologist: Dr. Deepika Aneja at Brevard Pulmonary Specialists. VERY smart, no BS doc. Attractive, too 321.986.8887.

Cardiologist: Dr. Srinivas Prasad at Brevard Cardiology Group. Very sharp guy! 321.452.3811.

Oncologist: Dr. Solomon Zimm of Spacecoast Cancer Center. 855.894.HOPE (4673).

This is not a commercial for any of these people. The recommendations are based on experience.

Hope this helps.

[Taxlesslivemore]

Thank You Very much

[ImmerLernen]

Here in Southern California, we have tons of doctors, hospitals, any number/type of medical facilities (then again, our population is crazy high by comparison). We have a community hospital less than a mile away from home. We've used them for pre-op lab tests, x-rays, and a minor out-patient surgery, but we wouldn't choose that hospital for anything beyond that sort of thing.

For more complicated diagnoses our family doctors and local specialists (e.g., an ear-nose-throat guy) have referred us to larger medical centers further from home. Does this sound like what we would expect living in Brevard County? Is there a big local (top-notch) medical center nearby, or would we be looking at driving into Orlando, for instance? If a drive would be in order, are there places we should focus on vs. steer clear of, or would we rely on our local doctors' recommendations if a need should arise?

[chopchop0]

Most things should be OK in Brevard. You'll need referrals out to Orlando for certain major surgeries as an example

[cocoapebbles]

I find the health care here to be a joke. Most MD's have no clue, it's like where the MD's come if they can't get a job anywhere else. Even my PCP at Health First was complaining to ME about it! I personally go to Mayo in Jax now for all my medical issues. BTW I have lived in SC, NC, CA and IA.

[ImmerLernen]

Originally Posted by cocoapebbles

...Mayo in Jax...

Um, if you could spell things out a little better for those of us unfamiliar with the local abbreviations, that would be helpful.

[CyberConch]

I believe cocoapebbles means Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by cocoapebbles

I find the health care here to be a joke. Most MD's have no clue, it's like where the MD's come if they can't get a job anywhere else. Even my PCP at Health First was complaining to ME about it! I personally go to Mayo in Jax now for all my medical issues. BTW I have lived in SC, NC, CA and IA.

Going to health first was part of the problem, check out MAB next time. As for majo jax, the real mayo is in Minnesota, jax is just an affiliate. I'd rather go to shands uf Gainesville for a real academic center

[Inside]

The healthcare in Bevard is no comparison to what you'd get in a major city. Plan on going at least to Orlando for any more than primary care, especially if you have a condition that requires management. Avoid Health First at all costs.