David and Rayito Coffeen

For this couple, it boils down to being heard

Some older patients who walk through a WellMed clinic’s doors are battling serious chronic conditions. Others see their doctor regularly, to help make sure they stay as healthy as possible.

WellMed patients David and Rayito Coffeen represent both kinds of patients.

The couple, who are in their 70s, has had a few health problems – David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease almost a decade ago and Rayito has had Bell’s Palsy, a neurological disorder that causes paralysis or weakness on one side of the face, twice, and shingles. In general, though, they are an active, happy couple who are grateful for their good health.

One way they stay healthy is by making regular visits to their primary care providers at WellMed at South Stuart in Stuart, Florida.

Both David and Rayito have been seeing Dr. Chris Rao and physician assistant Joseph Howard for years – Rayito since about 2018 and David since 2021 – and could not be happier with their care.

“They don’t rush us in and out,” David said. “They take the time to thoroughly assess us, and if we have a problem, they don’t just dismiss it as old age, they take it seriously.”

For example, recently David was taking his blood pressure and noticed his heartbeat was irregular.

“I went in and I ended up getting a pace maker,” he said.

The couple also likes the way WellMed makes them partners in their health care.

“They’re very good about encouraging us to be proactive about our health,” David said. “They urge us to exercise, eat well and take our vitamins, which we do.”

If the couple needs a specialist, WellMed is on point with referrals, and they can always reach someone if needed.

But most of all, they like the way their providers listen to them.

“They ask me what I would like to do, they don’t just dictate to me,” David said. “They take the time to consult with me and let me choose what my treatment will be. That’s one of the differences between WellMed and other doctors.”