Choosing the Right Medical Group: Sharp Rees-Stealy vs. Sharp Community Medical Group
PCP Dr. Suzanne Afflalo

When selecting a healthcare provider in San Diego, two prominent names often emerge: Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group and Sharp Community Medical Group. Both are integral parts of the Sharp HealthCare system, renowned for its high-quality care, but each offers distinct features and benefits. Understanding these differences can help you make a more informed decision regarding your healthcare needs.

 

Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group

 

Advantages:

1. Integrated Care Model: Sharp Rees-Stealy is well-known for its cohesive, integrated approach. With all specialists and primary care doctors working as a single entity, coordination of care is streamlined, which is particularly advantageous for patients with complex health conditions that require visits to multiple specialists.

2. Comprehensive Facilities: Patients have access to a wide array of services within the same organization, including urgent care centers, specialty clinics, and hospitals, all equipped with the latest technology.

3. Innovative Health Management Programs: This group offers various programs aimed at chronic disease management, wellness, and preventive care, designed to keep patients healthy and manage existing conditions effectively.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Choice of Providers: Patients have less flexibility in choosing providers outside of the group. If your preferred doctor or specialist is not part of Sharp Rees-Stealy, you may have to compromise on your choice or seek care outside your primary network.

2. Potential for Longer Wait Times: Due to the integrated structure and the popularity of this group, scheduling appointments with certain specialists can sometimes involve longer waiting periods.

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Sharp Community Medical Group

 

Advantages:

1. Extensive Network of Doctors: This group boasts a broad network of independent doctors, allowing patients more freedom to choose providers based on personal preference, location, or specialty.

2. Flexibility in Services: With a more extensive range of independent practices within the network, patients might find it easier to access specialized services that are highly tailored to individual needs.

3. Personalized Care: Independent practices often provide a more personalized approach, as doctors can focus on building long-term relationships with their patients without the constraints of a larger healthcare bureaucracy.

Disadvantages:

1. Variability in Care Coordination: Unlike the tightly integrated system of Sharp Rees-Stealy, the independent nature of Sharp Community Medical Group can lead to variations in how care is coordinated across different practices.

2. More Travel Time: Specialist are almost always located at a separate address from your Primary Care Provider.

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