Doctors Care and Tidelands Health announce regional affiliation to improve health care access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2021

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Doctors Care, P.A., and Tidelands Health have agreed to an affiliation that will provide patients throughout the Grand Strand increased access to primary care, urgent care, specialty care and emergency care.

The new affiliation builds upon a similar relationship between Doctors Care and MUSC Health in the Charleston area and represents a shared commitment by Doctors Care and Tidelands Health, the region’s MUSC Health affiliate, to offer access, value and comprehensive care to area residents.

The primary goal of the new affiliation is to help patients make the best decision when choosing the most appropriate setting from which to seek medical care.

The regionwide network of Doctors Care centers, all of which offer walk-in service, will help Tidelands Health decrease unnecessary visits to its emergency departments and provide patients with an easier transition to advanced services and ongoing care as needed. Both organizations have launched educational efforts to assist patients as they’re making decisions about where to seek treatment.

“This close connection between Doctors Care and Tidelands Health will improve patients’ access to medical treatment as well as the caliber of care they receive.” said Shelley Janssen, M.D., chief medical officer of Doctors Care. “By sharing information and resources and developing shared quality metrics, our two systems will further enhance the wellness of the communities we serve.”

The new affiliation is effective immediately and includes nine Doctors Care locations in Conway, Georgetown, Little River, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach.

“Tidelands Health is proud to work with Doctors Care to improve access to appropriate care along the Grand Strand through this affiliation,” said Bruce Bailey, president and CEO of Tidelands Health. “It is our shared goal to help patients make the best care decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

“We look forward to working together to support the health of people across our region.”

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About Doctors Care, P.A.

Doctors Care urgent care is a leading health care organization focused on delivering exceptional and convenient urgent care, family care and occupational health services. Its original center, 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, with more than 1,000 employees. Its network of 54 urgent care locations continues to expand to serve patients with quality medical care that is both convenient and affordable. All Doctors Care centers offer online check-in, real-time patient volumes, onsite dispensing, flexible hours, onsite X-ray and laboratory, telehealth services and more. Visit DoctorsCare.com to learn more.

About Tidelands Health

Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.