November 5, 2024- Novant Health announced it has closed on the purchase of UCI Medical Affiliates, Inc. (UCI) from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Included in the purchase are 52 Doctors Care and 20 Progressive Physical Therapy clinics, which are staffed by nearly 200 physicians and advanced practice providers.
The services provided at these clinics complement Novant Health’s three South Carolina hospitals and associated physician clinics, as well as its Ridgeland clinic established in partnership with Ochsner called Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie to give South Carolinians even more access to the appropriate level of care, close to home.
Doctors Care is the largest and most established urgent care provider in South Carolina, opening its first minor emergency medical center in Columbia in 1981.
The urgent care industry has seen rapid growth, driven by factors like increasing patient demand for convenient care, the rising costs of healthcare, and the need for services outside of regular office hours. Many urgent care centers also offer extended hours, making them a popular choice for patients seeking quick medical attention. As of recent estimates, there are over 10,000 urgent care centers across the country.