As Indian River County continues to experience a steady influx of new residents, securing timely and affordable healthcare has become an increasingly daunting challenge. The local medical landscape has shifted, with a growing number of physicians moving toward concierge models. This transition has left many residents struggling to locate medical professionals who still accept insurance and are welcoming new patients, ultimately resulting in delayed treatments, fragmented care, and overcrowded emergency rooms.
Recognizing this critical gap in the community’s healthcare infrastructure, Vero Orthopaedics has expanded its traditional scope of services to launch a dedicated primary care practice. This new initiative is designed to provide comprehensive, accessible medical care to the broader community, rather than limiting services strictly to their existing orthopedic patient base.
Vero Orthopaedics opened primary care in direct response to a clear and growing need. Indian River County, like many areas in Florida, is experiencing a shortage of primary care providers, particularly those who accept insurance and are taking new patients. As a long-standing, physician-led practice serving this community for 50 years, we felt a responsibility to help close the gap and ensure patients have access to timely, coordinated care close to home.
Primary care acts as the crucial first point of contact within the healthcare system, offering preventive services, early disease diagnosis, and ongoing chronic condition management. Without reliable access to these essential frontline services, patients often delay seeking medical help or resort to urgent care centers and emergency departments—settings not designed for long-term health management. To combat extended wait times, the new practice prioritizes prompt scheduling, offering same-day or next-day appointments for acute medical concerns whenever possible.
Currently treating an average of 800 patients daily across its broader network, the organization has assigned dedicated providers to handle a full spectrum of routine and chronic health needs. The clinic’s primary care services include:
- Preventive care and comprehensive annual physicals.
- Management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
- Treatment for acute illnesses, including respiratory infections.
- Weight management and specialized medication oversight.
- Preoperative and postoperative checkups.
- Seamless coordination with specialized medical care.
This integrated care model bridges the gap between general wellness and specialized treatments. Advanced practice registered nurse Stella Giovinazzo-Perez emphasized the importance of treating the whole person rather than just addressing isolated joint issues. Because the primary care unit is integrated with the larger orthopedic practice, patients benefit from highly convenient onsite testing, including bone density checks, as well as MRI and EKG scans. Connecting primary care and specialty services under one unified system minimizes the need for patients to travel to multiple facilities, greatly simplifying the healthcare experience for older adults and those navigating complex, multi-condition health profiles.
Awareness of the new clinic is spreading rapidly, with the primary care team already treating roughly 40 patients daily across its Indian River County facilities. As demand continues to rise, the practice is poised to expand its capacity, maintaining a strict focus on health promotion, longevity, and overall quality of life.
Founded in 1976, Vero Orthopaedics operates with a robust team that includes 16 physicians, eight physician assistants, and two nurse practitioners. Their comprehensive capabilities range from advanced diagnostic imaging and neurology to on-site physical and occupational therapy. Residents seeking in-network primary care services can visit the Vero Beach facility at 3955 Indian River Boulevard or the Sebastian location at 801 Wellness Way, Suite 100.
