Of the nearly 250 nominations that came in to the Hillsborough Education Foundation for the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award, Hunter’s Green Elementary (HGE) teacher Amanda Palmer was named one of just four finalists considered for the award this year.
And, although she didn’t take home the prize on Jan. 21 (at a ceremony held at Blake High School in Tampa with a mostly virtual audience), she says she was thankful just to be considered.
“I feel so honored and grateful,” she says. “First, that the Hunter’s Green staff nominated me, and then to know it went to the District level, it blows my mind.”
Palmer teaches students with varying exceptionalities (VE), working with students in the regular classroom who need additional support because of a diagnosis or disability. The students are part of a regular class, and Palmer comes in to their classrooms to help them be successful in that inclusive classroom environment.
“I’m like their biggest cheerleader,” she says.
Palmer says that she was completely shocked back in December, when Mike McCollum, chief advancement officer with the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), and a parade of administrators and others told her the big news that she had been chosen as a finalist.
“When they came to the school to surprise me, I said, ‘Is this real life?,” Palmer says.
The Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year is one of three awards given out each year by HEF.
The foundation explains that Ida S. Baker became Cape Coral High’s first principal in 1977 who went to on to become the first African-American to serve as Deputy Superintendent for the Florida Department of Education (DoE). She was known for her efforts to support diverse students and encourage academic success and, after her passing in 1992, the DoE created this statewide award in her honor.
For the award, each school in Hillsborough County may nominate one teacher who “embodies the pioneering spirit of Ida S. Baker by going above and beyond to meet the needs of our diverse student population.”
The other two annual awards given by HEF are Teacher of the Year and Instructional Support Employee of the Year.
All 11 schools in New Tampa submitted a nominee in each category (see next page). This year, Palmer was the only New Tampa nominee to be chosen as a finalist.
When Palmer was a student at the University of South Florida, she interned at HGE as a first grade teacher. She then filled in temporarily as a VE teacher, and says she fell in love.
“I never knew this position existed,” she says. Palmer got certified in order to be the school’s VE teacher, and even went back to USF to earn a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education. She has spent her entire teaching career — nine years now — as the VE teacher at HGE.
She says she loves the way her job allows her to work with not just the 22 students currently included in her caseload, but also with the other students in the classrooms she supports.
While Palmer was able to bring a limited number of guests to the awards ceremony with her, all her other supporters, family and friends watched online in a virtual watch party “room” just for her. Each of the other finalists had their own watch party rooms, too.
About the whole experience, Palmer says, “I think it’s pretty amazing. All for just doing something I love.”
Samantha Taylor (left) has helped thousands of women like 80-year-old Lynn Smith get into the best shape of their lives.
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced gyms to close in March, it took Samantha Taylor Fitness just 48 hours to completely pivot its method of delivery so that clients of the private training studios could continue their workouts virtually.
“We were doing 13 virtual workouts a week within two days,” says Samantha, the CEO who began her career in the fitness industry 28 years ago and launched her own business more than 20 years ago. Today, there are four Bay-area Samantha Taylor Fitness studios, including Wesley Chapel, Land O’Lakes, Carrollwood and Palm Harbor.
But now, the fitness studios have reopened and clients are given many options to work out safely, whether it’s in person or online. “During this difficult time, one thing you don’t want to do is put your health and fitness on the back burner,” says Samantha. “That’s not going to help you reduce your risk.”
She says that the CDC website lists obesity as one of the highest risk factors for not only contracting Covid-19, but also for having increased complications.
“Everyone’s body responds differently, but you have a better chance of it not affecting you as much if you’re healthier and have balanced blood sugar,” Samantha explains. “Statistically, if you’re healthy, even if you do get Covid-19, you’re more likely to get over it easier.”
Samantha says she understands that some people still may be fearful of going to a gym in person and if so, Samantha Taylor Fitness continues to offer virtual options, including recorded workouts that can be followed at home or virtual workouts with a private trainer via Zoom.
But, she’s quick to point out that a recent study of 2,873 gyms by the IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association) analyzed millions of gym check-ins to determine that only 0.002% of the active gym members studied had contracted Covid-19.
“Some people might think gyms are a place Covid-19 is spreading, but it’s not,” says Samantha, likely in part because people coming to the gym are not as high-risk (because high-risk people are choosing to stay home) and have stronger immune systems as a result of being generally healthy.
She encourages anyone concerned about coronavirus transmission to visit her website at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com to see a comprehensive list of how the studios are responding to Covid-19, including protocols such as limited class size, social distancing within classes, and sanitizing equipment between each class.
“Samantha Taylor Fitness centers are private studios,” she explains, “not overcrowded gyms. We have plenty of space to spread out in all four of our studios.”
The Wesley Chapel location has its own standalone building off of S.R. 56, near I-75, in the Cypress Ridge Professional Center. Samantha moved the studio there in 2018 from its former location on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The new studio is bigger, with a larger personal training room, specialty rubber floors, and a private, first-floor entrance.
For Women Only!
All of the Samantha Taylor Fitness studios offer a women-only environment where clients can choose personal training in the form of 1-on-1 private training, group training, semi-private personal training or “fitness boot camp” classes. All workouts last just 30 minutes.
A recent “Cooking with Emi” segment had Samantha Taylor Fitness private chef Emi Covone teaching members of Samantha’s online community how to make cauliflower waffles, or “chafes.”
Before choosing between the programs at Samantha Taylor Fitness, a potential client is invited to participate in a body transformation analysis, where you meet with a membership specialist in person, on the phone or via Zoom, to go over the many options available at the fitness studio. But, it’s not just about working out.
“The only way to make lifelong, lasting changes is to learn how to eat,” explains Samantha. “It’s not about being on a diet or starving yourself, but figuring out how to eat in a way that you really enjoy that is simple and maintainable (for you).”
She says people can diet temporarily, but if they don’t learn to eat in a way that’s realistic and sustainable for them, they won’t stick to it.
She adds that the pandemic has led to many people complaining about weight gain, and it hasn’t slowed.
“The ‘Quarantine 15’ has now turned in to the ‘Quarantine 20 or 25,’” says Samantha. “If you don’t start making changes in the new year, that could possibly continue to increase, and you’ve increased your risk factors for Covid-19 even more.”
To help with teaching you how to eat, Samantha Taylor Fitness offers online cooking classes with in-house chef Emi Covone every week on its private, members-only webpage. Every week, a new, healthy recipe that has been approved by Samantha Taylor Fitness’ licensed dietitian Shannon Barker is shared with members.
In the new year, cooking classes will continue, along with other events and programs, and even free webinars.
At Samantha Taylor Fitness, women also find a supportive community, which Samantha says makes it fun and helps women stay on track. And, while her 2020 six-week weight-loss challenge and awards banquets highlighting the studios’ success stories were virtual, Samantha says to check the website for updates for 2021.
Lynn Smith is still pumping iron at age 80.
At 80 years old, Lynn Smith is a Realtor who doesn’t yet have an eye towards retirement. She has been working out with Samantha for nearly a dozen years. When she first started, she had never exercised in her entire life. “I want to live to be 100,” Lynn says, “so I figured I’d better do something about my health.”
Lynn adds that those early days were extremely hard. “I had no muscle strength,” she says. And, while she wasn’t obese and didn’t have a lot of weight she needed to lose, she says she lost about 10-12 pounds and kept the weight off. “Samantha taught me the importance of muscle strength.”
She says now it’s easy, and even fun.
“I go three times a week, and the trainers challenge us every day,” Lynn says. “I look forward to it. The sessions are nonstop for 30 minutes, which is doable for just about anybody.”
Lynn likes that she works out in a very small group and that it’s for women only. “The trainers are very experienced and compassionate,” she says. “They want everyone to be successful.”
When she faced personal tragedy when her husband of 48 years suddenly passed away in August, Lynn says, “It was a big loss in my life. I’m so grateful that I have Samantha Taylor Fitness and that family to count on. I never really stopped going from the time my husband passed away. Everyone was very encouraging. Of course, you can’t wrap your arms around somebody like you could in the past but they’re there for me.”
Lynn adds, “I’m very proud to be where I am at my age. It’s never too late to start. I encourage anyone reading this to get started at whatever age they are.”
The Wesley Chapel Samantha Taylor Fitness Studio is located is at 26908 Ridgebrook Dr. For more information, visit SamanthaTaylorFitness.com, call (813) 377-3739, or see the ad on page 25.
Dr. Vijay Patel (left) opened Pebble Creek Family Dentistry 10 years ago, and last year added Dr. Krupal Patel (Dr. K.P.) to a staff that he says is the “best staff possible.” (Photo: Charmaine George)
It’s been 10 years since Vijay Patel, D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) opened Pebble Creek Family Dentistry at the corner of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and Regents Park Dr. (next to what is now the Chase Bank) in New Tampa in November 2010.
During that time, his practice has grown and thrived, thanks to his focus on ensuring that every patient who walks through his doors has a good experience.
“Basically,” says Dr. Patel, “We provide great service, care about our patients’ dental health and do everything we can to help them.”
Because of the growth in the practice, and to be able to continue to serve more patients, Dr. Vijay Patel (who goes by “Dr. Patel”) brought on an associate in July of last year. Dr. Krupal Patel, D.M.D. (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) is not related to the original Dr. Patel and goes by “Dr. K.P.” to avoid confusion.
Dr. K.P. earned his D.M.D. degree from the College of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, in May 2019. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Economics in 2014 and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology in 2013, both from the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Immediately upon graduation, he joined Dr. Patel at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry. Dr. Patel earned his B.S. degree in Biology from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 2002, and his D.D.S. degree from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 2006.
“He provides the same caring and compassionate dentistry as I do,” says Dr. Patel about his associate, whom he met well before Dr. K.P. became a dentist.
“I’ve known Dr. Patel for a long time,” says Dr. K.P. “I actually shadowed him here before dental school. Dr. Patel motivated me to pursue dentistry and it came around full circle. Right around the time he needed someone, I had just gotten out of school and I was ready to work.”
General dentistry procedures offered by the two doctors include cleanings, exams and X-rays, composite fillings, root canal therapy and tooth extractions. Additionally, patients can opt for one of the many cosmetic procedures offered, including porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, dental bridges, veneers, bonding, inlays, onlays and more.
Dr. Patel encourages anyone who wants to learn more about the practice to search “Pebble Creek Family Dentistry” on Google and read the more than 130 positive reviews. He says readers will get a clear picture of the kind of service that’s provided at the practice, and see why so many patients choose it.
Dr. K.P. says that one of the great thing about working at Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is, “Whenever we get a bigger case that takes more thought, we tackle it together and think about how to approach it.” (Photo: Charmaine George)
Al Grasser is a Wesley Chapel resident who is one of Dr. Patel’s very happy patients. Grasser has been seeing Dr. Patel since he opened the Pebble Creek office 10 years ago.
“I’m impressed with Dr. Patel and the service,” Grasser says. “Everyone is super nice, and I can schedule an appointment whenever I need it. The work that does Dr. Patel does is outstanding, and I have recommended him to all my friends and relatives.”
Grasser also has seen Dr. K.P., and says that if Dr. Patel trusts him, he trusts him, too. “Absolutely,” Grasser says. “Dr. Patel would make sure he hires someone who is well qualified.”
Having two doctors in the office allows the pair to collaborate on more complicated cases.
“Whenever we get a bigger case that takes more thought, we tackle it together and think about how to approach it,” explains Dr. K.P., “whether he’s doing the procedure or I am.”
Dr. K.P. says the relationship between the two doctors has evolved in the time he’s been in the practice.
“In the beginning,” he explains, “it was very much a mentoring relationship. Over time, he’s treated me as an equal, even though he’s the boss. My opinion matters and we bounce ideas off each other. We have a great relationship.”
He especially appreciates what he describes as a great working environment. “It’s just a nice place to be,” says Dr. K.P. “It’s a very spacious, up-to-date facility and a relaxed environment. We’ve got great support from our team members here. The hygienists and assistants do an amazing job.”
Sharing The Credit…
Dr. Patel agrees that one of the strengths of the practice is the fantastic staff. Like Dr. K.P., he credits his three hygienists and three assistants with taking great care of the patients, and says his four front desk staffers are equally supportive and patient-centered.
“I have the best staff possible,” says Dr. Patel, proudly. “We take a lot of time with our patients to make sure they are comfortable, including helping them to understand their treatment and answering all their questions about insurance. Anything they need help with, we take the time to make sure they understand it.”
And, Pebble Creek Family Dentistry accepts most PPO insurance policies.
The doctors see patients ages 6 and older, so everyone in the family — except for the very youngest children — can be part of the same practice and see the same doctors.
Dr. Patel and Dr. K.P. spend much of their free time volunteering for BAPS Charities, which is a non-profit organization that is the charitable arm of the Hindu temple both doctors attend.
BAPS is short for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. BAPS Charities organizes events such as walk-a-thons to raise money for other nonprofit organizations, including Feeding America Tampa Bay and the Pepin Heart Institute. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the cancellation of any walk-a-thons that would have been held in 2020. The doctors also have helped to organize and provide services at blood drives, health fairs for the community and many other types of community-oriented events.
Dr. Patel says the practice has not had to make too many adjustments to be able to continue to see patients during the pandemic.
“We are open,” he says. “We are taking all precautions that are needed to ensure the health and safety of our patients and employees. But, we are open for everything, with the same hours, and we are confident that we are keeping our patients safe.”
Pebble Creek Family Dentistry is located at 19007 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. It is open Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, visit PebbleCreekFamilyDentistry.com, call (813) 406-4947, or see the ad on page 22 of this issue.
Despite the pandemic, Mary Catchur says this summer has been some of the busiest months she’s had since opening Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center in 2006. (Photo: Charmaine George)
Back in March, as the pandemic was starting to shut life down across the U.S., Mary Catchur of Marimark Mortgage was worried about what that would mean for her business. She was preparing for the worst.
But, in a way it seems no one predicted, from April through September, there was a huge uptick in people buying new homes, relocating, and refinancing their existing homes, even while Mary says the financial markets were reacting extremely erratically to the spread of Covid-19.
People were hearing that rates were at all-time lows, but lenders were concerned about risk and tightening many restrictions.
“It was a crazy time,” Mary says. “Our phones were ringing off the hook.”
Mary first opened Marimark Mortgage in the Tampa Palms Professional Center off Commerce Park Blvd. in 2006. She says the summer months of 2020 ended up being her busiest season in years — and that has allowed her company to shine, doing what they do best.
“As a small business, we could react quickly to changes that were going on and run our business efficiently,” she says. “People were calling their bank, and the bank was telling them they were too swamped to help, or it would take up to 90 days to close.”
She adds that when someone comes to Marimark for a home loan, they are offered the same or better mortgage products as the big banks. But, they also receive a wealth of information, and are generally able to close much more quickly than they would with the big banks. In fact, Mary says they were still closing most loans within 30 days. She even had one loan — through a VA loan program — that was cleared to close in four days with a 2.375% interest rate.
Mary is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who spent 13 years as an auditor for KPMG (Klynveld, Peat, Marwick & Goerdeler), one of the “Big Four” U.S. public accounting firms, which was founded in The Netherlands. Then, she was the chief financial officer for an internet-based real estate company, in which she established a mortgage division.
As a CPA, Mary understands her clients’ income and tax returns. Her broad financial background helps her clients, especially those with special circumstances — such as being self-employed, or retired and living off of their assets.
She says other companies may not know how to structure a loan for those clients, because they don’t have the financial background to understand the nuances of the process.
Marimark offers a complete line of financing options, such as conventional loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans and loans through the Veterans Administration (VA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Mary is a Pennsylvania native who grew up helping out at her family’s electrical business, but she has called Tampa home since 1979.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degrees in Accounting and French from the University of South Florida (USF) and currently maintains her mortgage broker’s license in Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Her background also allows her a much better understanding of the entire mortgage process.
When you call a bank, for example, the person who takes your application may not have a deep understanding of the underwriting process. Mary says many people who came to her this summer had gotten an initial approval from their bank, but when the loan went to underwriting, there was something that kept it from being approved.
She understands the frustration of being told your loan isn’t approved weeks into the process, and says that hardly ever happens with Marimark.
“Maybe two times in 14 years something has come up in underwriting that I didn’t foresee,” she says, “which is completely the opposite of what I hear happens at the banks.”
Now, she says, she is grateful the craziness of the summer is behind her. She says the industry has stabilized and approval guidelines have loosened.
“Right now is a great time to get financed to buy,” she says. “Rates are still at all-time lows, people can still get loans, and we can help them.”
Education & Support
Ryan Schleich and his wife Summer bought a home in Tampa Palms in August. Three weeks later, they welcomed the newest member of their family, baby Nolan.
While expecting a child and renting, the couple decided to buy a home, and Ryan found Marimark Mortgage through a Google search.
“She was located right around the corner,” he says, “and it didn’t look like a large shop, so I thought there would be a personal touch.”
He says Marimark Mortgage went well beyond his expectations in not only that personal touch but with everything else, too.
“We are first-time homeowners and it was absolutely overwhelming,” Ryan says. “I previously worked in foreclosures, so I knew the process, but doing it on my own would have been hectic and anxiety-ridden. Mary was very organized, went through options of different programs, and explained the different types of mortgage and loans. She was very informative — even before we agreed to work with her.”
Mary encourages anyone who is considering buying a home to do a Google search for her company. She says a quick read through the many positive reviews will help you — like it did Ryan — understand how she treats her customers.
“My approach is straightforward and educational,” Mary says. “When I got into the business, I saw a real need to educate people so they would know why the product they were getting was better for them.”
Mary says she shouldn’t be the one choosing a loan product for a client, but it’s important for her clients to be fully educated about their loan. For example, maybe you’ve been offered a low rate, but do you know what fees you have to pay to get that rate?
“Maybe the most important thing to you is getting the lowest possible payment,” she explains, “or maybe it’s paying the least amount of money over the life of the loan, but we need to talk about your entire scenario and what your goals and needs are.”
Mary also is proud that Marimark offers a streamlined, efficient process, with great communication. She uses technology to her clients’ and her company’s advantage, such as, for example, automatic notifications every step of the process.
“Communication, particularly through Covid, has been key,” Mary says. “We have to be up to date on what’s happening, and we constantly communicate to our clients how that affects them.”
Marimark Mortgage is located at 5327 Primrose Lake Cir. For more info, visit MarimarkMortgage.com, call (813) 910-8020, or see the ad on page 31 of this issue.
Dr. Karina Azank Parilo offers direct primary care at her KAP Medical Group office off BBD Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, which promises shorter wait times & fewer insurance headaches than traditional primary care medical offices. (Photos: Charmaine George)
If you’re frustrated with long wait times at your doctor’s office, not being able to get in to see your physician, or constantly being surprised with how much you pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses — even with health insurance — you might want to consider direct primary care.
Karina Azank Parilo, M.D., of KAP Medical Group, offers direct primary care, which changes the way patients and their doctor relate to one another by removing dealing with insurance companies altogether.
KAP Medical Group, which is open to all ages, is located in the Windfair Professional Park in Wesley Chapel, behind the retail plaza on Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. that includes Dickey’s BBQ and The Hungry Greek restaurants.
Instead of collecting payment from insurance companies, patients (or “members”) pay a monthly fee, which covers unlimited office visits and virtual visits via phone or video, in-office tests, well checks, sick visits, weight management and management of chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, asthma, arthritis and more.
Dr. Parilo is originally from Tampa. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from Duke University in Durham, NC, then earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from the University of South Florida in 2005. She completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Massachusetts Family Residency Program in Worcester in 2010.
After working in a large private practice in Wesley Chapel for eight years, Dr. Parilo opened KAP Medical Group in early 2018, bringing along Michelle Diaz, who is now KAP Medical Group’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and office manager. The two have worked together since 2010.
Dr. Parilo and her husband Dane live in Seven Oaks and have a blended family of three grown children and three granddaughters. They met through the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon in 2012 and both have remained active in the club.
How Direct Primary Care Works
Dr. Parilo says the monthly fee is a transparent, controlled expense, which is affordable for most people. “It’s $54 to $66 per month for an individual,” Dr. Parilo explains, “which is a lot cheaper than most cell phone and cable bills.”
Dr. Parilo still sees patients in her office, but says that telehealth has become popular during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo: Charmaine George)
She recommends patients still carry health insurance because the monthly fee doesn’t cover expenses outside of routine care, including hospitalizations, surgical procedures, visits to specialists and lab work. However, some in-office procedures are included in the monthly cost, with just a small supply fee charged, and Dr. Parilo says she has negotiated prices with labs, so that you may pay much less for your lab work than you would pay out-of-pocket if you used your insurance with a high deductible.
“We recommend our patients have catastrophic insurance or a high deductible plan or something they can fall back on to cap their cost, which is how insurance was originally meant to be,” she explains. “Originally, health insurance was like car insurance. You don’t use your car insurance to get your oil changed or replace your tires.”
At KAP Medical Group, you will never be one of thousands of your doctor’s patients, which Dr. Parilo says is common at some large practices. In fact, at her previous practice, Dr. Parilo says she had 2,700 active patients, and was expected to take on even more.
But, in the direct primary care model, your monthly fee allows your doctor to limit the number of patients he or she will see.“We will close the practice when we hit a certain number of patients,” she says.
That way, you always have access to your doctor in the way that works best for you, whether it’s a same-day or next-day office visit, or a quick text, phone call or video chat.
KAP Medical Group uses an app that maintains patient privacy and connects directly with each patient’s electronic medical record.
Covid Care & Precautions
Dr. Parilo says that her direct primary care model was an advantage when the office had to shut down at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where some practices had to close their doors altogether, KAP Medical Group had a seamless transition to virtual patient care.
While the practice has experienced a couple of positive Covid-19 tests, Dr. Parilo says everyone has recovered well, and that KAP Medical Group continues to follow strict guidelines to keep all of its patients safe.
“We have frail patients and don’t want anyone getting hurt,” she says.
Now, as the pandemic continues to play out, Dr. Parilo and Michelle are in the office three days a week, and doing telehealth the other days.
“We have a warm and fuzzy practice, with a coffee machine and a couch,” says Dr. Parilo. “We try not to have you wait, but if you have to wait, it’s a comfy place. But, no one has sat on our couch in seven months, so it’s been different.”
The Patients Love It, Too!
Connie Ceparano, who lives in New Tampa, is a long-time patient who originally began seeing Dr. Parilo when her sons, now 27 and 22, were in elementary school.
“I chose her to begin with because she saw adults and children,” Ceparano says, “so our family wouldn’t have to go to two different doctors.”
Back then, though, when Dr. Parilo was with a larger practice, Ceparano says she was often frustrated with the office staff and the way things are generally done at most other doctor’s offices. If someone in her family was sick, they would offer her an appointment several days down the road. Sometimes, she would have to sit in the waiting room an hour or more. Sometimes, there’s even more wait time to see the doctor once you actually get into a room.
“I’m not bashing the practice she was with,” says Ceparano, “because they’re all like that.”
But, the hassle was worth it, because Ceparano says Dr. Parilo is an excellent doctor who truly cares about her patients, and is extremely thorough and detailed.
She also says that when Dr. Parilo started her own practice, she would have followed the doctor anywhere, but she had no idea what to expect from the direct primary care model. As it turns out, she has been very pleased.
“I love this new way of practicing,” Ceparano says. “It really comes down to being very personal. I don’t ever have to worry about seeing a physician’s assistant instead of the doctor herself. Not only do I get in the same day, I always get to see her.”
The transition from insurance-based fees to the monthly fees has been a benefit to Ceparano’s family, too. “It’s so well worth it,” she says. “I feel like it pays for itself. If you need to, you can go in 10 times in a month and you’re not paying a $30 or $40 copay each time.”
Ceparano adds that she and her husband and her sons won’t go to any other doctor for primary care.
“My son’s job takes him out of town a lot, but he doesn’t have to worry about finding a doctor. If he’s in California, for example, he has the app on his phone and he can call, text, or video chat. It really is a great benefit.”
KAP Medical Group Direct Primary Care & Family Medicine is located at 2615 Windguard Cir., Suite 101, across Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The practice is currently open by appointment only. For more information or to make an appointment, visit KAPMedicalGroup.com or call (813) 536-0050.
