In 1996 Gary Kompothecras, D.C., “Dr. Gary”, opened one of the first multi-disciplinary medical clinics with the purpose of helping people injured in automobile accidents. His priority was to bring together a team of medical professionals that would address all the needs of his patients and assist in their recovery. In that clinic and those that would follow, the medical staff expanded to include M.D.’s, D.O.’s, Orthopedic Surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Radiologists, Physician’s Assistants, D.C.’s, Nurse Practitioners, and Massage Therapists.
More innovation was to follow. The addition of technologically advanced medical equipment meant that Dr. Gary’s group practice had the ability to diagnose injuries that were not previously discoverable by traditional physical examinations. This often benefited the patients in that they no longer had to settle a claim with a diagnosis of a non-specific soft tissue injury. The combined experience of medical doctors including orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, along with chiropractors, gives the practice the ability to consistently deliver the highest quality care.
Over time Dr. Gary was able to refine the practice into an efficient and cost-effective way of treating auto accident victims. The refinement was key because a large percentage of patients were without health insurance of any kind other than the $10,000 of No-Fault benefits afforded under their Florida automobile insurance. This was innovative – finally patients had real access to the level of care and results that top quality clinicians and diagnostic tools could deliver after an accident.
For Dr. Gary, the patients that have entrusted their medical care to Physician’s Group, LLC are and always have been the priority. His commitment to delivering quality care resulted in his practice becoming the first of its type to become accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations, now simply known as the Joint Commission. This accreditation is the gold standard for excellence within the entire health care industry, including large hospitals.
After many conversations with patients, it became apparent to Dr. Gary that they were often not aware of the health care benefits linked to their automobile insurance. The result of that was disturbing – many accident victims were suffering needlessly by not seeking the care of a doctor. That realization was the genesis for the creation of the 1-800-ASK-GARY® (1-800-275-4279) accident helpline – to inform accident victims of their rights and to offer them free access to speak with an attorney and/or a doctor.
One of our very first patients was actually an employee that would eventually become well recognized as “ROZ” in the television commercials. She received medical attention for an accident injury and was so pleased with her care that she wanted to personally tell her story. The television campaign that features her was born out of Roz’s desire to share her experience. Her “don’t be scared or confused” message was an instant hit. Roz is still with us today and is still on television regularly encouraging accident victims to exercise their rights and be informed. The secret to the success of Roz’s story is simple, IT IS TRUE. In fact, her first television commercial wasn’t scripted at all. It was simply her story, in her words, and it hit home with people that shared the pain and frustration of not knowing who to turn to after an accident.
Dr. Gary trademarked the 1-800-ASK-GARY® (1-800-275-4279) name which is currently licensed to W.S. Media, Inc. who runs the ASK GARY Auto Accident and Injury Helpline you may be familiar with today. Dr. Gary remains deeply committed to delivering the highest quality of treatment to deserving patients. In addition, both Dr. Gary and his companies have generously supported many causes that impact the local community.
For over twenty-five years, 1-800-ASK-GARY® has helped more than 350,000 people find the legal and medical help they need to get the settlement that they deserve. 1-800-ASK-GARY® is a free 24/7 auto accident and injury helpline.
Below are some of the causes we support, but are not limited to:
- The Fight For a Cancer Cure with the Roskamp Institute of Sarasota, Better Science/Real Discovery
- Center for Hope Cancer Patient Support
- The Fight to Stop Autism / Generation Rescue: Dr. Gary, a parent of two autistic children, is a national advocate for safe vaccine policies
- United Negro College Fund
- NAACP
- Shriner’s International
- Ringling College of Art and Design
- Special Olympics
- Hope Kids Community
- The Foundation for Families of Fallen Officers and First Responders
- Habitat for Humanity
- Sarasota High School Boosters
- Conservation Foundation of Gulf Coast
- University of Tampa Chiselers
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters
- Chabad Lubavitch of Sarasota & Manatee Counties
- Sunrise Community
- Riverview High School
- Hillsborough Educational Foundation
- New Bethel Church Youth Ministry
- Toys for Tots
- Sarasota Military Academy
- Don’t Text and Drive
- Back to School Supplies Drive
- Get Out and Vote Drives
- Community Toy Drive
- Blessings In a Backtrack
- Heart of Fire Gala
