Care in the fast lane

Care in the fast lane

GatorAdvantage gives employees priority at UF Physicians practices

By Czerne M. Reid

Need a doctor fast? Just say “GatorAdvantage.”

Starting Feb. 21, all UF employees can have fast access to outstanding care from medical providers at UF and Shands HealthCare, thanks to the UF Physicians’ new GatorAdvantage initiative.

GatorAdvantage gives UF employees and their family members expedited access — including next-day appointments — to medical providers at UF Physicians and Shands at UF outpatient facilities as long as they are covered by an accepted health plan. Accepted plans include all state of Florida-sponsored plans, as well as Shands Basic, Shands Limited and Shands Preferred Blue Cross Blue Shield. In addition, GatorAdvantage members do not have to pay parking fees when they visit one of the practices on campus.

Experts in various specialties and subspecialties are available at 40 group practices throughout Gainesville, providing pediatric and adult care to meet the basic and more complex health care needs of the UF community.

If you have difficulty getting an appointment, have problems related to parking or need more information, call the GatorAdvantage help line at 352-265-8363. For more on individual practices, visit the UF Physicians web site.

To use GatorAdvantage:

Check the University of Florida Physicians directory to find a physician who offers the kind of care you need.

Say “I am a GatorAdvantage member” when you call to make an appointment, and give the timeframe in which you would like to see a provider.

Repeat “I am a GatorAdvantage member” when you check out from your appointment if you need a parking voucher — this is the only way you can get a voucher.

If you get a parking ticket in the patient garage during your appointment, give your parking voucher and the ticket to the attendant as you leave.