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

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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.

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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Both Sharp Rees-Stealy and Sharp Community Medical Group offer compelling benefits, but the choice depends on what aspects of healthcare are most important to you. If you value a seamless, integrated healthcare experience with easy access to a variety of services, Sharp Rees-Stealy could be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a broader choice of doctors and a more personalized approach, Sharp Community Medical Group might suit your needs better.

To make a well-informed decision, prospective patients should research public reviews of doctors within each group. An outstanding choice within the Sharp Community Medical Group is IWC Primary Care, An Innovative Wellness Clinic led by PCP Dr. Suzanne Afflalo. Her clinic is praised for its exceptional patient care and commitment to community wellness, making her a top choice for anyone seeking a dedicated Primary Care Provider in the network.

5 Star Review IWC Primary Care

Ultimately, the best healthcare provider for you will depend on your specific health needs and preferences. Take the time to evaluate both medical groups and consider the experiences of other patients to find the perfect fit for your healthcare journey.

Welcome to IWC Primary Care, a part of Sharp Community Medical Group. Located in Spring Valley, CA, we offer top-notch healthcare services that include precise diagnosis, personalized medication prescriptions, and thorough follow-ups for your well-being. Our patient-centered approach ensures a warm and friendly experience from start to finish.

 

Our expert primary care team combines conventional and integrative medicine to address potential issues proactively. We promise compassionate support and attentive care tailored to your unique needs. Trust us to listen and understand your health concerns during every appointment. Experience excellence in healthcare at IWC Primary Care.

Medicare Doctor San Diego

Ron Price

2025-07-12

Amazing care and support at Innovative Wellness Clinic, Spring Valley I recently visited Innovative Wellness Clinic in Spring Valley during a very stressful period in my life, and I can’t say enough about how positive my experience was — especially thanks to NP Danielle. From the moment I walked in, the clinic felt welcoming and calming, which helped me relax right away. But what truly made a difference was NP Danielle’s exceptional care, understanding, and genuine kindness. I was struggling with workplace stress and anxiety that had started to affect my daily life and health. I wasn’t sure what options I had and felt pretty overwhelmed. During my appointment, NP Danielle took the time to really listen to me — without rushing, without judgment. Her bedside manner was thoughtful, compassionate, and engaging, which made it easy for me to open up about what I was going through. What impressed me most was how thorough and knowledgeable she was, especially about FMLA benefits. She clearly explained what I could do to take a leave to focus on my health, walked me through the paperwork, and helped me understand how to communicate everything properly with my employer. Thanks to her guidance, the process felt far less intimidating. More than anything, NP Danielle helped me see that my situation was fixable — that with time, care, and the right support, things could and would get better. That hope alone was something I really needed. Everyone at Innovative Wellness Clinic treated me with respect and care, but NP Danielle truly went above and beyond. She followed up with me to check on my progress and made sure I felt supported every step of the way. Thanks to her, I was able to use FMLA to take time off work and focus on my mental health — and it has made a huge difference in my life. I feel clearer, stronger, and genuinely more hopeful about the future. If you’re looking for a clinic that doesn’t just treat your symptoms but truly cares about your overall well-being, I highly recommend Innovative Wellness Clinic. NP Danielle in particular is amazing — knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely dedicated to helping patients feel better. I’m very grateful for the care I received and wouldn’t hesitate to go back if I ever needed help again. Thank you, NP Danielle and everyone at Innovative Wellness Clinic!

Dr. R. Lee Brown

2025-07-10

The IWC clinic shines as a beacon of hope and excellence in medical care, serving as a true champion for every patient. Having observed the unwavering dedication and superior quality of various medical providers in the region, I can wholeheartedly endorse this exceptional facility. In essence, IWC exemplifies professionalism, thoroughness, and a warm, engaging approach to addressing the medical needs of its patients!

Brian Ware

2025-07-10

IWC is a great local medical clinic! They are very professional, yet they still maintain a personalized approach to everyone’s care. It’s really nice to feel like your medical provider isn’t just checking the box and they are genuinely interested in my health. Love this place.

Mr. Charles Muhammad

2025-07-10

Professional, knowledgeable and comforting.

Daoud Bakr

2025-07-09

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Nurse Practitioner Danielle Gordon and her team for the exceptional care provided to my grandson on very short notice. Despite the urgency, she was able to accommodate him promptly, demonstrating remarkable flexibility and dedication. From the moment of our arrival, she and her staff exhibited the utmost professionalism, attentiveness, and compassion. They conducted a thorough assessment, ensured his comfort throughout the visit, and communicated clearly and effectively regarding his condition and treatment. Their expertise and commitment were truly commendable and greatly appreciated during a challenging time. I highly recommend Nurse Practitioner Danielle Gordon for anyone seeking exemplary healthcare services. Much appreciated! The Bakr Family

olga recamier

2025-07-08

My appointment with Dr. Lisa Strahm was very good . Thanknyou

Lynda Crawford

2025-07-08

I like that the staff actually listened to me and took care of the referrals I needed quickly.

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