Best Critical Care Specialists in Fontana

Introduction to Critical Care Medicine in Fontana

Definition and importance of critical care medicine

Critical care medicine, also known as intensive care medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and management of life-threatening conditions. Critical care specialists, or intensivists, are physicians who are trained to provide comprehensive care for patients with severe and complex illnesses or injuries.

These specialists work in intensive care units (ICUs) and are responsible for monitoring and treating patients who are critically ill or unstable. They manage a wide range of conditions, including respiratory failure, cardiovascular disorders, severe infections, and post-operative complications.

Patients who typically require critical care include those who have undergone major surgery, suffered severe trauma, experienced organ failure, or are dealing with life-threatening medical conditions. The goal of critical care is to stabilize these patients, prevent further complications, and support their recovery.

Overview of critical care services in Fontana

Fontana, California, is home to several medical facilities that offer critical care services. One of the primary institutions providing these services is the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center, which is affiliated with many of the critical care specialists in the area.

Other hospitals in the vicinity, such as San Antonio Regional Hospital and St. Bernardine Medical Center, also offer critical care services and are affiliated with some of the specialists mentioned in our data.

Selecting the right critical care specialist is an important decision that can significantly impact a patient's treatment and recovery. The choice of specialist can affect the quality of care received, the approach to treatment, and ultimately, the patient's outcome.

When considering a critical care specialist in Fontana, it's beneficial to evaluate factors such as their qualifications, experience, patient ratings, and hospital affiliations. These elements can provide insight into the physician's expertise and the level of care they are likely to provide.

Selecting a Critical Care Specialist in Fontana

Factors to consider when choosing a doctor

Board certifications and qualifications

• Review American Board of Internal Medicine certifications
• Consider additional certifications like American Board of Surgery

Experience and specializations

• Examine educational background and fellowship training
• Look for subspecialties within critical care (e.g., pulmonary disease)

Hospital affiliations

• Note predominant affiliation with Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
• Consider other hospital affiliations for broader options

Patient reviews and ratings

• Analyze available star ratings and review counts
• Consider the context of ratings (e.g., number of reviews)

Resources for finding critical care specialists

Online physician directories

• Utilize Healthgrades and similar platforms
• Cross-reference information from multiple sources

Healthcare provider networks

• Explore Kaiser Permanente network in Fontana
• Consider other local healthcare systems

Recommendations from primary care physicians

• Consult with your primary care doctor for referrals
• Discuss your specific critical care needs

Top-Rated Critical Care Specialists in Fontana

Dr. Nimesh Patel

Background and Qualifications

• Board-certified in Internal Medicine
• Specializes in Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Pulmonary Disease
• Graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2005

Practice Information

• Affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
• Contact number: (909) 427-5000
• Male physician

Patient Ratings

• Perfect 5-star rating
• Note: Based on only one review, which may not be representative

Dr. Lawrence Harms

Education and Certifications

• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery
• Graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1983
• Completed residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 1988

Specialties and Practice Information

• Specializes in General Surgery and Critical Care Surgery
• Affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
• Contact number: (909) 427-3909
• Male physician

Patient Feedback

• 4.4-star rating based on 7 reviews
• Indicates positive patient experiences

Dr. Wega Koss

Background and Specialties

• Board-certified by the American Board of Surgery
• Specializes in Critical Care Surgery and General Surgery
• Graduated from LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITY OF MUNICH in 2003

Practice Details

• Affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
• Female physician, offering gender diversity in the field

Patient Ratings

• 4.3-star rating based on 6 reviews
• Suggests consistent positive patient experiences

Dr. Namita Mohideen

Education and Certifications

• Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics
• Graduated from Brown University Alpert Medical School in 1994
• Undergraduate degree from Barnard College/Columbia University

Specialties and Affiliations

• Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine, and Nutrition
• Affiliated with San Antonio Regional Hospital and St. Bernardine Medical Center
• Female physician, adding to the diversity of options

Patient Feedback and Languages

• 4.0-star rating based on 29 reviews, providing a robust sample of patient experiences
• Offers services in both English and Spanish, enhancing accessibility

Additional Considerations for Choosing a Critical Care Specialist

Language and Communication

Importance of Clear Communication

• Discuss the significance of effective communication in critical care settings
• Highlight how language barriers can impact patient care and outcomes

Multilingual Physicians

• Mention Dr. Namita Mohideen who speaks English and Spanish
• Emphasize the benefit of choosing a physician who speaks the patient's preferred language

Gender Preferences

Available Options

• List male specialists: Dr. Nimesh Patel, Dr. Lawrence Harms, Dr. Hoon Kim
• List female specialists: Dr. Wega Koss, Dr. Namita Mohideen, Dr. Jaymica Patel

Importance of Patient Comfort

• Discuss how gender preference can affect patient-doctor relationship
• Emphasize the importance of feeling at ease with your critical care specialist

Subspecialties within Critical Care

Diverse Expertise

• Highlight physicians with multiple specialties: Dr. Nimesh Patel (Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Pulmonary Disease)
• Mention Dr. Lawrence Harms and Dr. Wega Koss (Critical Care Surgery, General Surgery)

Matching Patient Needs

• Discuss the importance of choosing a specialist whose expertise aligns with specific medical conditions
• Encourage patients to consult with their primary care physician about which subspecialty might be most appropriate