[COMMUNICATED] Down Route 9 South, on the border between Lakewood and Toms River, sits a modest looking grey building, whose simple exterior belies the hive of activity taking place within. 

The office, colloquially referred to as Dr. Cohen and Lempel’s office, has grown from the simple two doctor practice which opened in 1986 to a bustling practice comprised of four doctors and seven mid-level practitioners. Ocean County Internal Medicine Associates P.C. (OCIMA) has a population of over 11,500 patients from Lakewood and many neighboring towns as well. The clinicians have earned a reputation for providing superior medical care in an atmosphere which prides itself on being patient-friendly, comfortable and accommodating.

The communities in this area of New Jersey have grown exponentially in recent years, and OCIMA has expanded as well, in order to maintain the high standards people have come to expect and rely on. The addition of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to the clinical staff has increased the availability of appointments. The mid-level staff members work hand-in-hand with the doctors and consistently consult with them throughout the day. The positive feedback from the many patients who have been treated by the mid-level practitioners attests to their extensive expertise in the area of internal medicine.

Today, people often live their lives at a harried pace and do not have time or the desire to wait on hold.  OCIMA has established alternative ways to contact the providers, which can be quicker and more convenient for many people. Patients can text or leave a voice message at 732.806.5878 for non-urgent needs, such as medication refills, appointment requests and messages for the doctor. Additionally, patients can sign-up for the patient portal to send and receive messages from their provider. The text and portal messages are checked and returned throughout the business day.

OCIMA operates efficiently thanks to the highly professional staff of approximately 50 people employed in the various departments of the practice.  The employees of OCIMA enjoy a camaraderie and strong sense of team spirit which spills over into the general atmosphere of the office.

The physicians of Ocean County Internal Medicine Associates have built strong relationships with many specialists, hospitals and facilities, which enable them to refer patients to the expert best suited to meet their needs. It also fosters continuity of care which is an important goal of comprehensive medical care.  This consistency allows the clinicians to be aware of all aspects of his/her patient’s medical history and treat the whole person, not merely his/her current symptoms.

OCIMA is excited to announce that they are now open for walk-in appointments from 8:30-10:00 am, Monday through Friday for non-emergent problems. Examples include sore throat, ear pain, rashes and sinus infections. No prior appointment is needed.  This incredible service allows patients quick access to medical care from the practitioners they already know and trust.

OCIMA accepts Medicare assignment, Horizon NJ Health, Amerigroup and United Healthcare Community Plan as well as several commercial plans.  Please call the billing department at 732.370.3383 with any insurance questions you may have.

When seeking medical care, people have different qualities they look for in a doctor.  To some, having a physician who really cares is most important; others value a provider who has the training, expertise and experience to address a wide range of medical conditions, while another might seek a patient-friendly atmosphere. The physicians and mid-level clinicians of Ocean County Internal Medicine Associates are reputed to be all of the above.  Come and see for yourself! New patients are welcome. Please visit www.ocimed.com or contact the office at 732.370.5100 for more information or to schedule an appointment.