Patients travel from across the country and beyond for Dr. O'Donnell's care. Here's everything you need to plan the trip — from the airport and where to stay, to your visit, surgery, and flying home.
Coral Gables · Miami
The office is at 475 Biltmore Way, Suite 101, Coral Gables, in the heart of the Gables. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest major airport — roughly 7 miles / about 20 minutes by car or rideshare. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is also an option, about 45 minutes north.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and rental cars are all readily available at MIA. Downtown Coral Gables is walkable, so once you're settled at a nearby hotel you may not need a car for the visit itself.
Save a trip — start remotely
If you've had X-rays, an MRI, or a CT, upload them to mymedicalimages.com before your appointment. Dr. O'Donnell reviews your images ahead of time, so your visit is focused and efficient — and so he can advise you before you book travel.
Many out-of-town patients begin with a secure video consultation. Dr. O'Donnell reviews your history and imaging, discusses your diagnosis and options, and helps you decide whether an in-person visit or surgery makes sense — before you ever get on a plane.
Fill out the new patient packet in advance so everything is ready when you arrive.
Three options within minutes of the office
A 1926 National Historic Landmark with grand architecture, a legendary pool, spa, and golf. The signature Coral Gables experience.
biltmorehotel.com →A newer upscale hotel in the center of downtown Coral Gables, with a rooftop pool and dining steps from the office.
loewshotels.com →A restored 1920s landmark, Autograph Collection. Intimate and elegant, and the shortest walk to the office.
hotelcolonnade.com →What to expect, start to finish
Whether by telemedicine or in person, Dr. O'Donnell reviews your imaging and history, confirms the diagnosis, and walks through your treatment options together.
If surgery is the plan, an in-person exam and pre-operative workup are completed — often the day before or the morning of surgery for traveling patients.
Procedures are performed at Bayside Surgery Center in Coconut Grove, a modern outpatient surgical center a short drive from the office. Most sports and joint procedures are same-day (outpatient), so you return to your hotel to begin recovery that evening.
Dr. O'Donnell sees you for an initial post-operative check before you fly, then continues your follow-ups by telemedicine once you're home.
A typical outpatient surgical trip
For most outpatient procedures, patients plan for roughly 3 to 5 days in Miami: arrival and pre-operative visit, the day of surgery, and a short recovery window with an in-person post-op check before flying home. Your exact timeline depends on the procedure and how you're recovering — Dr. O'Donnell will give you a specific plan for your case.
Air travel after surgery carries a small risk of blood clots (DVT). Depending on your procedure and risk factors, Dr. O'Donnell may recommend measures such as staying well-hydrated, moving your legs and walking regularly during the flight, compression stockings, and in some cases a short course of a blood thinner. He'll give you personalized guidance on when it's safe to fly and what precautions to take.
Timelines and blood-thinner guidance shown here are general and will be tailored to your procedure — this page is for planning, not medical advice.
Follow-up & rehabilitation
Your follow-up appointments are handled by secure video, so you recover at home without flying back for routine checks. Dr. O'Donnell monitors your progress and adjusts your plan as you heal.
We provide your rehabilitation protocol and coordinate with a physical therapist in your home city, so your recovery continues seamlessly wherever you live.
Call the office or request a consultation and we'll help you plan travel, timing, and the fastest path back to full function.