News Articles
Celebrating 25 Years of Medical Care
April 6, 2021 - The News-Press
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida (PPC) is celebrating its 25th year as the largest physician-owned and managed multi-specialty primary care group in Lee County. Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida (PPC) is looking ahead in 2021 and gearing up to celebrate its 25th year as a physician-owned and managed multi-specialty primary care group in Lee County. It all came together in 1996 when several independent physician groups decided to join forces. It was a time of change in the national health care system with the influence of insurance companies and hospital acquisitions. Many well-known local physicians had a desire to remain independent. So after weighing all the factors, 26 physicians from OBGYN, Family Medicine and Pediatric practices merged to become one large group. The merger enabled the physicians to not only remain independent but to provide enhanced quality patient care.
read more +Congratulations, Nichole Williams, on earning your CMM
April 1, 2021 - The News-Press
Nichole Williams, CMM, of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Certified Medical Manager (CMM). The certification is awarded by the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to successively manage today’s ever-changing medical practices. Williams completed a written exam that assessed her knowledge of 18 areas of medical practice administration. Williams has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has worked as a medical assistant and team leader. Currently, she is the manager of the Olympia Pointe family practice, internal medicine and pediatrics office of Physicians’ Primary Care at 5700 Lee Blvd. in Lehigh Acres. Offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh Acres. For more information, visit ppcswfl.com.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Earns National Recognition
February 11, 2021 - Cape Life
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has received three national awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in recognition of its commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II Diabetes. Part of the 2020 Target: BP Recognition Program, The Gold Award for blood pressure control recognizes practices that have 70% or more of their adult patient population with high blood pressure controlled. The Gold Award for cholesterol control recognizes practices that have 70% or more of their adult at-risk patient population appropriately managed with statin therapy. The Gold Award for Type II Diabetes management recognizes practices that have 75% or more of their patient population maintain control of their diabetes with diet, exercise and medication management.
read more +PPC makes the front-page of Lehigh News-Star
December 30, 2020 - Lehigh News-Star
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida is the recipient of three national awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in recognition of its commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II Diabetes.
read more +PPC is the recipient of three national awards
December 29, 2020 - The News-Press
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida is the recipient of three national awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in recognition of its commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II Diabetes. “We are very proud of the physicians, nurses and staff who have made the well-being of our patients their highest priority, resulting in so many of our patients reducing their high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels and managing their diabetes,” said Dr. Mary Yankaskas, managing physician of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida. “We are very proud to be part of these programs presented by the American Heart Association in partnership with the American Medical Association.”
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Earns National Recognition
December 28, 2020 - Gulfshore Business Daily
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has received three national awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in recognition of its commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II Diabetes. Part of the 2020 Target: BP Recognition Program, The Gold Award for blood pressure control recognizes practices that have 70% or more of their adult patient population with high blood pressure controlled. The Gold Award for cholesterol control recognizes practices that have 70% or more of their adult at-risk patient population appropriately managed with statin therapy. The Gold Award for Type II Diabetes management recognizes practices that have 75% or more of their patient population maintain control of their diabetes with diet, exercise and medication management.
read more +Cape Coral Chapter MOAA to hear from city manager
November 23, 2020 - Cape Life
The Cape C.oral Chapter. of the Military Officers ·Association of America. (MOAA) will hold its meeting Saturday at the Cape Royal Golf Club, 11460 Royal Tee Circle at 10 a.m. Rob Hernandez, Cape Coral City Manager, will be the featured speaker. He is a 23-year veteran of the US Army Reserve.
read more +New pediatrician in Lehigh
November 18, 2020 - New Press
Dr. Liliya Gerasymchuk has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a pediatrician.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida hires pediatrician
November 11, 2020 - Lehigh Citizen
Dr. Liliya Gerasymchuk has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a pediatrician. Dr. Gerasymchuk earned her doctor of osteopathy degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. She served her residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, Mich.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care hires family medicine physician
November 10, 2020 - New Press
Dr. Ryan Harlacher has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician. Dr. Harlacher earned his medical degree from AUA College of Medicine in Antigua. He served his residency in family medicine at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Hires New Pediatrician
November 3, 2020 - PRLog
Dr. Liliya Gerasymchuk has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a pediatrician. Dr. Gerasymchuk earned her doctor of osteopathy degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. She served her residency in pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, Mich.
read more +Harlacher joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
September 25, 2020 - Cape Coral Breeze
Dr. Ryan Harlacher has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician. Harlacher earned his medical degree from AUA College of Medicine in Antigua. He served his residency in family medicine at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Hires New Family Medicine Doctor
September 22, 2020 - PRLog
Dr. Ryan Harlacher has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician. Dr. Harlacher earned his medical degree from AUA College of Medicine in Antigua. He served his residency in family medicine at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.
read more +Lehigh Acres toddler on big Times Square screen
September 9, 2020 - The News Press
Myles Levy is as adorable a kid as you’d ever want to see. His natural cuteness, bright eyes and ubiquitous smile will be on full display Saturday when his photo and those of more than 500 other children with Down syndrome flash across the Jumbotron in Times Square in New York City as part of Down Syndrome Awareness Month.
read more +Physician’s Primary Care earns national recognition
September 1, 2020 - The News Press
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has announced that Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has once again received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term, participative relationships.
read more +Partners in Health Student and Staff Health Webinar: August 24, 2020
August 25, 2020 - The News Press
Watch the Partners in Health Student and Staff Health Webinar.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care collaborated with the school board on the safe reopening of schools.
August 25, 2020 - The News Press
Dr Crater participated with a panel on the Virtual Town Hall to answer questions submitted by parents.
read more +Shrestha joins Physicians Primary Care of Southwest Florida
May 29, 2020 - Cape Coral Breeze
Dr. Shikha Shrestha has joined Physicians' Primary care of Southwest Florida as an internal medicine physician. Shrestha earned her medical degree from De La Salle University College of Medicine in the Philippines. She served her residency in internal medicine at the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, Pa.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of SWF hires new internal medicine physician
May 27, 2020 - Lehigh Citizen
Dr. Shikha Shrestha has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an internal medicine physician.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care adds internal medicine physician
May 27, 2020 - The News Press
Dr. Shikha Shrestha has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an internal medicine physician.
read more +The Picky Eater
January 17, 2020 - The News Press
Many people have encountered a child fitting the description of "picky eater." Maybe you have a child who plays this role. Perhaps you are one of the parents I see who has pleaded, begged, bribed or bargained with their child to eat the food you have prepared. You might have even made airplane or train sounds trying to get one bite of food into your child's mouth. I have been there as a parent, and I see many of you in the same predicament every day.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care Employee Earns Certification
December 11, 2019 - Gulfshore Business
Staci Mihm of Physicians’ Primary Care (PPC) of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC). The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to analyze clinical statements and accurately assign standard codes using a classification system. Mihm completed a 5.5-hour exam assessing her knowledge of code classification. Mihm is celebrating 31 years in healthcare with Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida and Associates in Ob/Gyn. She is PPC’s compliance and education manager. She attended Edison Community College (now Florida SouthWestern State College) and earned certification as a Certified Professional Compliance Officer in 2016.
read more +On the Move
December 10, 2019 - Gulfshore Business
Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) named Keith Callaghan as the executive director of the FSW Foundation.
read more +Popular plant-based milk is not recommended for children under 5
December 10, 2019 - The News Press
In September, 2019, a major consensus of four leading health groups – The American Academy of Pediatrics; The American Heart Association; The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics – recommended that all children 5 years and under should avoid drinking plant based non-dairy milk, flavored milk, toddler formula, caffeinated beverages and sugar and low calorie sweetened beverages because they provide no unique nutritional value. Nutrients, including sugars, are added to look equivalent to cow’s milk but their bio availability is not known compared to the naturally occurring nutrients in cow’s milk.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Employee Earns Certification
December 3, 2019 - PRLog
Staci Mihm, CPCO, CRC, of Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC). The certification is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to analyze clinical statements and accurately assign standard codes using a classification system.
read more +Frink earns certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor
November 15, 2019 - Cape Coral Breeze
Angela Frink, APRN, of Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor.
read more +Registered Nurse Earns Lactation Certification
November 15, 2019 - The River
Angela Frink, APRN, of Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a certified lactation counselor. The certification is awarded by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are considering breastfeeding or have questions about lactation.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care adds two family medicine physicians
November 15, 2019 - The News Press
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has added two new family medicine physicians to its staff to meet the increased demand for primary health care needs in Lee County.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care APRN Earns Lactation Certification
November 8, 2019 - HealthyLee
Angela Frink, APRN, of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor. The certification is awarded by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are considering breastfeeding or have questions about lactation. Frink completed 52 hours of training and passed an examination based upon her workplace competencies.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care APRN Earns Lactation Certification
November 7, 2019 - PRLog
Angela Frink, APRN, of Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida has earned certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor. The certification is awarded by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice to professionals who have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding counseling and management support to families who are considering breastfeeding or have questions about lactation.
read more +News Releases
Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL Celebrates 25 Years
February 11, 2021
This year marks 25 years in business for the largest independent multi-specialty physicians’ practice in Southwest Florida. Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL was formed in 1996 by several of the area’s best-known independent physician groups. The three founding doctors still with Physicians’ Primary Care are Dr. John Ritrosky, a pediatrician; Dr. Charles Curtis, a family medicine physician, and Dr. Mary Yankaskas, the managing physician for the entire practice. “From the business aspect, it means we have control of our business. As physician owners, the decisions we make impact us personally,” said Yankaskas. “So, we’re thoughtful about the decisions we make and not only how they affect our patients, but ourselves and our staff, too.” Being physician-owned also allows them to be more nimble and adaptive. “Like through COVID,” Yankaskas said. “As things were happening and changing on a daily basis, we were able to quickly gather everyone together and learn how to use Zoom very quickly and make decisions for the practice and keep it open and keep our patients and staff safe.” The multi-specialty group consists of over 47 providers who specialize in things like internal medicine, family practice and pediatrics. They have offices in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres and Cape Coral, where there are seven. The medium-sized independent group of physicians are entrepreneurs who practice medicine and want to be able to actively manage their practice. “In an employed model, the owners may or may not be physicians,” Yankaskas said. “And when they’re not, they may not have walked in our shoes. The things that are important to us may not be important to non-physicians.” Physicians’ Primary Care’s diverse group of specialties means it’s able to provide healthcare to a wide array of patients including newborns, children, teenagers, adults and seniors. The physicians work collaboratively with the health system and other groups in Southwest Florida to care for their patients. “With all of the changes in healthcare and the loss of small groups, it is a testament to our group that we continue to grow and innovate,” Yankaskas said. “We believe strongly in physician-owned groups and the need for physician leadership in healthcare.” Recently, Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL was the recipient of three national awards from the American Heart Associa-tion and the American Medical Association. The accolades are in recognition of the group’s commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II diabetes. As managing physician, Yankaskas oversees the clinical operations and financial aspects of the practice. “When you look at corporate structure, it’s sort of like the chief medical officer,” she said. “But I also do a lot of non-clinical work as well.” Yankaskas said her favorite part about what she does is getting to work with partners who really care about their patients. “And they are willing to be innovative and help treat their patients,” she said. “Our doctors are passionate about their patient care and by having the structure that we do, they can take care of patients and we can take care of everything else, like the clinical and operational support.” “They don’t have to be involved in the day-to-day nitty-gritty of managing the practice.” Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL also offers lab work, radiology and physical therapy. Throughout the years, Yankaskas said the staff has been an integral part of the practice. “We have 13 employees who have been with us for 25 years,” she said. “We’re a good place to work even through this craziness of COVID.” For a list of all of the Physicians’ Primary Care of SWFL locations, visit here. Read the full article here.
read more +Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines
January 26, 2021
Now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. It can be difficult to know which sources of information you can trust. Learn more about finding credible vaccine information.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of SW Florida Earns National Recognition for Improving Patient Health
December 29, 2020
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Dec. 22, 2020 - PRLog -- Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida is the recipient of three national awards from the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association in recognition of its commitment to improving the health of its patients in cholesterol management, controlling blood pressure and management of Type II Diabetes.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Earns Recognition as a Patient-Centered Medical Home
August 24, 2020
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 24, 2020 - PRLog -- he National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has announced that Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida has once again received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long‐term, participative relationships.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care Physicians Named Top Doctors
March 9, 2020
Two physicians with Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida have been named "Top Doctors" by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in New York.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida asks patients to call first if they’re feeling sick
March 6, 2020
If you’re feeling sick and think you may have coronavirus (COVID-19) or the flu, call your doctor first, don’t come into the clinic. That’s the message Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida is sending out to their patients. Andryanna Sheppard spoke with the doctors who are putting in the policy to keep an infection from spreading.
read more +Dr. Amanda L. Danley Joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
October 3, 2019
Dr. Danley earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Her residency was completed at Florida State University’s residency program at Lee Health in Fort Myers, where she was named "Outstanding Resident." During her residency, Dr. Danley participated in a medical service trip to Los Cedros, Nicaragua. She also provided pre-sports physicals for under-served middle and high school students in Immokalee and assisted with medical care and evaluation of athletes during football games of Island Coast High School in Cape Coral.
read more +Dr. Amanda L. Danley Joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
September 27, 2019
Dr. Amanda L. Danley has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician. Dr. Danley earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Her residency was completed at Florida State University's residency program at Lee Health in Fort Myers, where she was named "Outstanding Resident."
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Adds Two
August 15, 2019
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida has added two new family medicine physicians to its staff. Dr. Karla Noel has joined Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a family medicine physician at the Fort Myers office. Dr. Syed Sher also is a family medicine physician and will see patients at the Cape Coral Family Medicine office. Noel has 19 years of experience as a family medicine physician and has worked with medical practices in Hawaii, Florida and Indiana. Noel holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Indiana School of Medicine and Bachelor of Science degree in history and biology at Ball State University. She was chief resident at the Lehigh Valley Family Practice in Allentown, Pennsylvania and has received recognition from the National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient Centered Medical Home physician training. Noel is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Medical Association. Sher holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center and Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Houston in Texas. He served his residency at Ocala Regional Medical Center in Florida and is a member of the American Osteopathic Association.
Physicians’ Primary Care Physicians Named Top Doctors
April 16, 2019
Southwest Florida have been named "Top Doctors" by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. in New York. Family Medicine physician Charles Curtis, M.D., and Pediatrician Georgia Rocha-Rodriguez, M.D., will be featured in the June issue of Gulfshore Life magazine. Dr. Curtis is a six-time repeat winner from 2013 to 2018. Dr. Rocha-Rodriguez is a three-time repeat winner from 2016 to 2018.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care Of Southwest Florida Earns Laboratory Excellence Award
February 22, 2019
Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida recently received the Laboratory Excellence Award during the reaccreditation of its laboratory from COLA, the national healthcare accreditation organization.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Earns Laboratory Excellence Award
February 22, 2019
(MENAFN - PRLog) Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida recently received the Laboratory Excellence Award during the reaccreditation of its laboratory from COLA, the national healthcare accreditation organization.
read more +Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Welcomes Angela Frink, APRN
December 6, 2018
Angela Frink has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Frink is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University., where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and her Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
read more +Dr. Jorge Valenzuela joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
January 17, 2018
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Dr. Jorge Valenzuela Joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
January 8, 2018
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PRLOG – Dr. Melissa Bacchus Joins Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
August 21, 2017
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VAN DE VELDE JOINS PHYSICIANS’ PRIMARY CARE
June 23, 2017
John van de Velde has joined Physicians' Primary Care of Southwest Florida as a pediatric nurse practitioner. He will assist pediatric physicians at the Fort Myers Pediatric office, 9350 Camelot Drive and the Cape Coral Pediatric office at 1261 Viscaya Parkway, Suite 1.
Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce – Physicians’ Primary Care Physicians Named Castle Connolly Top Doctors
March 29, 2017
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ePRnews – Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Joins Million Mile Movement
February 6, 2017
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PRBLOG – Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida Joins Million Mile Movement
February 3, 2017
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Florida Business Daily – Physicians’ Primary Care earns national distinction for patient care
December 22, 2016
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Smith new certified nurse midwife at Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida
November 4, 2016
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