Laura Yordy

Columbia, S.C. – Doctors Care P.A., South Carolina’s largest urgent care company, has developed and launched its own direct-to-consumer telemedicine platform to provide direct access to its doctors from a mobile device or computer. The program, called Doctors Care Anywhere, was launched in April. It lets patients receive care from board-certified providers using a secure video connection on a smartphone or computer.

Doctors Care will continue to grow its network of 55 brick-and-mortar urgent care centers around the state, but this online option expands patients’ access to its provider network. The launch of this direct-to-consumer program follows a successful two-year in-center telemedicine program that’s still used to minimize wait times in the company’s busiest locations.

The Doctors Care Anywhere platform is scalable to accommodate future growth outside the State, lightweight in structure to cleanly layer with existing clinical applications, and is HIPAA-compliant. Telemedicine patients can access records of their virtual visits through the patient portal at DoctorsCare.com, just as they can after a regular clinic visit.

Doctors Care providers staff the online network and practice in the centers. They can refer patients to brick-and-mortar locations for conditions that may require additional care – including lab tests and X-rays. Doctors Care and UCI Medical Affiliates, the non-medical management company for Doctors Care, worked with local South Carolina developers, Indesign Firm, and multinational Fortune 500 telecommunications company Cisco to develop their proprietary telemedicine platform and leverage existing infrastructure strengths.

“It was important to us to use local talent, and the best technology in the nation, to build a product that would represent the quality and consistency of the Doctors Care brand,” said David Boucher, president and COO of UCI Medical Affiliates. “This way, we can deliver a better value to our patients and providers. Our 35 years in the urgent care business have taught us to trust our own instincts, and we feel strongly about delivering the best possible experience to our customers.”

“Our patients want convenience and quality,” said Dr. Thomas Gibbons, chief medical officer and president of Doctors Care. “Doctors Care Anywhere gives patients more control by allowing them to see a doctor from wherever they are sitting, without interrupting their workday or having to make arrangements for child care to drive to a clinic. Time and health are valuable commodities. We want to make visits as fast and painless as possible — and provide the same quality care they would receive in one of our centers.”

Any person in South Carolina over the age of 18 can use Doctors Care Anywhere for treatment related to conditions like colds and sinus infections, UTIs, skin rashes, pink eye, acne, sore throats and upset stomach. Currently, payments are by credit card only, but it is a reimbursable medical expense for HSA, HRA or FSA accounts. To learn more, visit www.DoctorsCare.com/Anywhere.

About Doctors Care
Doctors Care, now celebrating its 35th year in business, is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original clinic, opened in Columbia in 1981, was the first urgent care center in South Carolina. Now, Doctors Care is one of the largest urgent care companies in the United States. Its network of 53 clinic locations continues to expand to serve patients who want quality health care that’s also convenient and reasonably priced. Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, flexible hours, on-site X-rays and laboratory services, telehealth access and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.

About UCI Medical Affiliates
UCI Medical Affiliates, founded in Columbia, S.C., is celebrating its 35th year as a non-medical management company. It provides administrative support to its family of businesses, including Doctors Care, Progressive Physical Therapy and Doctors Wellness Center. These businesses serve patients and clients at approximately 80 freestanding urgent care and physical therapy clinics throughout South Carolina and Tennessee. UCI Medical Affiliates also manages employer on-site medical practices and related occupational health services. They emphasize quality care, cost-effective delivery and a close partnership with clients. Visit UCImedInc.com to learn more.

Pictured left to right: Blowie of Lexington County’s Blowfish Baseball Club; David Boucher, president and COO of UCI Medical Affiliates; Mike Stacey, director of human resources for Lexington 1 School District; Dr. Thomas Gibbons, president and chief medical officer of Doctors Care, P.A.

Lexington, S.C. – Doctors Care held ribbon cutting celebrations today to mark the openings of three state-of-the-art facilities to serve the growing Lexington County area:

• Doctors Care Lexington West, 815 HWY 378 West, located in front of the Publix at Hendrix Crossing
• Progressive Physical Therapy, a Doctors Care sister company, is also located at the Hendrix Crossing site
• Doctors Care Hope Ferry, 5224 Sunset Boulevard, located next to Walgreens on Sunset Boulevard at Hope Ferry Road

Doctors Care is South Carolina’s largest urgent care company and one of the largest in the United States. Dr. Thomas Gibbons, president and chief medical officer for Doctors Care, said the new locations will create better access to health care in the booming Lexington region and help meet the evolving needs of its residents.

“Thirty-five years ago this company opened its very first urgent care location not far from here – so it’s extremely rewarding to know we’re still growing with the Lexington community, and we’re still serving generations of the same families,” Gibbons said at the Lexington West location. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 35^th year in business.”

David Boucher, president and chief operating officer of UCI Medical Affiliates, the non-medical management company for both Doctors Care and Progressive Physical Therapy, also spoke at a joint ceremony for Doctors Care Lexington West and Progressive Physical Therapy.

“The success of our companies is a reflection of the success of Lexington County and the state of South Carolina – where smart people work hard, continue to innovate, and appreciate their neighbors. It’s an honor to be a part of what’s working,” Boucher said.

Underlining the company’s commitment to the region, staff members of the two companies presented a $500 gift to the Lexington School District One Education Foundation – with the assistance of Blowie, the mascot of the Lexington County Blowfish Baseball Club. Mike Stacey, director of human resources for the District, was on hand to accept the check. The District has partnered with the Blowfish for a school supplies drive later this spring, and the contribution will go towards those efforts and more.

Doctors Care Lexington West encompasses 6,500 square feet. The Hope Ferry Road Doctors Care is more than 4,000 square feet. Both contain multiple exam rooms plus trauma, laboratory and X-ray rooms. In addition to the latest in medical equipment, the facilities enable patients to use online check-in. They receive text messages when it’s time to appear in person. There are now 54 Doctors Care clinics in South Carolina and one in Tennessee.

Progressive Physical Therapy, with 24 facilities in South Carolina, offers specialized treatment with certified physical therapists to help with injury recovery, rehabilitation and pain relief.

About Doctors Care: Doctors Care P.A., founded in 1981, was the first minor emergency medical center in Columbia, S.C. Today, Doctors Care is a premier health care organization operating 54 clinics in South Carolina and one in Tennessee, proudly focused on delivering exceptional urgent care, family care, and occupational health care. Most locations are open evenings and weekends, do not require an appointment, and offer online check-in for added convenience.

About Progressive Physical Therapy: Progressive Physical Therapy, founded in 1986, serves patients at 24 offices throughout South Carolina. Centers are staffed with certified, highly skilled therapists with experience and specialized training. The high standards of Progressive Physical Therapy make it one of the most respected practices in the state for advanced therapeutic care. Visit PPTaccess.com for more information.

Lexington, S.C. – Doctors Care P.A., South Carolina’s largest urgent care company, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest urgent and family care center in Lexington County. The state-of-the-art Doctors Care medical facility has replaced the downtown Lexington location to better serve the community with convenient access to expanded services.

According to Dr. Thomas Gibbons, chief medical director, the new Doctors Care center will enhance efforts to address the health care needs of the growing Lexington community.

“For 35 years now, our medical professionals have been dedicated to providing quality, convenient urgent and family care, and employer health services across South Carolina – and this newest location is an example of our long-term commitment to these values,” Gibbons said. “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand our services in the Lexington community as its communities continue to expand and more families move to the area.”

The new Doctors Care Lexington West is in front of the Publix Super Market at Hendrix Crossing on U.S. 378. The 6,500-square-foot facility contains multiple exam rooms plus trauma, laboratory and X-ray rooms. Progressive Physical Therapy will occupy part of the building and is set to open Feb. 15.

Services available at Doctors Care include:

• • Urgent care and minor surgical procedures (for sprains, fractures, lacerations, accident evaluation, burns, etc.)
  • Family care (such as physicals, X-rays, blood work and colds/strep/flu care)
  • Vaccinations (including tetanus, flu, pneumonia, hepatitis and travel)
  • Occupational health and workers’ compensation
  • Online check-in

The new Lexington West facility is located at 815 Highway 378 West. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, Doctors Care West Columbia on Sunset Boulevard will relocate in March next to the Walgreens at Hope Ferry Road. This location will be known as Doctors Care Hope Ferry and will provide the same urgent care service offerings as all other Doctors Care locations.

About Doctors Care
Doctors Care P.A. opened its doors in 1981 as the first minor emergency medical center in Columbia, South Carolina. Today, Doctors Care is a premiere health care organization proudly focused on delivering exceptional urgent care, family care, preventive and occupational health care and specialty services. Most locations offer flexible hours – including evenings and weekends – and do not require an appointment.

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – David Boucher (President and Chief Operating Officer of UCI Medical Affiliates, Inc.) gave running a try nearly 25 years ago and he never stopped moving. Every morning he hits the pavement, running through downtown Columbia for a three-mile jog.

After a little calculation, Boucher realized he’ll soon total enough miles to have run a trip around the world.

“When one looks and thinks, ‘Gosh. I’m closing in on 24,000 – 25,000 miles over a 25-year history,’ it is surprising,” said Boucher.

While the distance was never a goal, Boucher turned to Rotary Club where he serves as president to celebrate the last 902 miles with a good deed.

“I’m going to run this anyway unless I have health problems or blow a knee out or something. How can I serve human kind at the same time?,” said Boucher.

He wrote on his Facebook page, “I am looking for sponsors who are willing to contribute just a penny per mile……up to the next 902 miles that I’m able to run. Why 902 miles? Because with another 901.55 miles in the rear view mirror, I would have run the circumference of the earth over a 25-year period (24,901.55 miles). Any money that I collect will be delivered to the CART Fund.”

Columbia’s Rotary Club, along with others across the state and those in four other states place blue buckets out at meetings, collecting pocket change for an Alzheimer’s research fund started by a Rotarian in Sumter County in 1995. During that time, CART, or Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust, has provided more than $5 million in research grants.

One-hundred percent of the money collected is used as seed money for cutting edge research, aiming to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. Right now, it’s the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and today it affects over 5.1 million Americans. So it’s a big number,” said Boucher.

He said he’s been overwhelmed with the number of people who stepped up to sponsor the cause.

“If we can do something to help human kind, that would be a good thing,” said Boucher.

So far, Boucher has raised more than $2,500. With 600 miles left to run, he’s set his fundraising goal at $10,000 to make a difference for families who know the effects of Alzheimer’s far too well.

Anyone wanting to sponsor Boucher can make checks payable to: The CART Fund, c/o Columbia Capital Rotary Club, PO Box 11946, Columbia, SC 29211.

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