By Keith Young, CEO
Medical Center at Ocean Reef
At the heart of the Medical Center’s ethos lies a simple yet profound mission: “To Provide Caring and Professional Medical Services and Health Education to the Ocean Reef Community.” This commitment makes Ocean Reef a unique place, distinct for its immediate access to comprehensive medical care, just a golf cart ride away.
Our pursuit of excellence in on-site health care is underpinned by a dedication to the latest medical technology. The Medical Center continually adapts, embracing costly yet crucial upgrades, software updates, and maintenance for our evolving diagnostic equipment.
We owe a debt of gratitude to several Ocean Reef members whose generous donations over the years have sustained and enhanced our medical capabilities. A notable advancement was the replacement of our 13-year-old Philips CT Scanner in 2020 with the cutting-edge Philips IQon Elite 256-slice Scanner, boasting Spectral technology. This advanced scanner offers a more intricate examination of body tissues, significantly enriching diagnostic accuracy. This crucial upgrade, made possible by nearly 3 million dollars in donations from our members, exemplifies the community’s spirit of giving.
Our partnership with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Health System, initiated two seasons ago, has further expanded our services. Recognizing the necessity for specialized eye care equipment, several members contributed to the acquisition of the “Optos California,” an innovative device that captures ultra-wide-field retinal images with unparalleled clarity, enhancing our on-site eye care services.
Financially, the Medical Center relies on reimbursements from Medicare and insurance companies, covering approximately two-thirds of patient care costs. Our commitment to providing around-the-clock, year-round service is a cornerstone of “Health Care – The Ocean Reef Way,” a model of care unmatched in private communities, with a comprehensive array of services including CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, bone density tests, X-rays, and more.
The Medical Center boasts an impressive roster of 50 doctors across 25 specialties, regularly visiting the Reef to provide care. This season, we’re happy to introduce an ENT specialist to our team. The convenience and quality of our services are reflected in their growing utilization – a record 28% increase from last season, with our Physical Therapy department experiencing a surge in demand.
The foundational support of our Medical Center stems not only from financial contributions but also from the unwavering commitment of our community. Our Founding Members program, with 743 members, plays a pivotal role in bridging the operational funding gap. Additionally, the annual All Charities event significantly bolsters our operational funds while benefiting the broader community in myriad ways.
Beyond monetary support, the Ocean Reef community enriches our mission through countless volunteer hours, contributing to various organizations, including the Medical Center. We are immensely grateful for this ongoing support. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The First Wealth is Health,” a principle that resonates deeply within the Ocean Reef community.
“The First Wealth is Health” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Visit us on the web at www.mcor.org
