Novant Health completes purchase of UCI Medical Affiliates Inc., becomes largest urgent care provider in South Carolina and adds 20 physical therapy clinics

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – As part of its commitment to building a healthier future, Novant Health has closed on the purchase of UCI Medical Affiliates, Inc. (UCI) from BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, extending Novant Health’s remarkable care to more communities across South Carolina.

“Expanding access to high-quality, remarkable outpatient care is a key part of our strategy to transform health care for South Carolinians,” said Carl S. Armato, president and CEO of Novant Health. “The addition of our urgent care and physical therapy network enhances our ability to support patients across the state with their unexpected care needs and recovery from injuries. Our compassionate caregivers at these clinics are empowered and dedicated to working together to help our communities thrive."

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.

“Novant Health’s provider network will now extend to dozens of new communities across the Palmetto State, representing our long-term investment in the health of South Carolinians,” said Dean Swindle, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and president, Novant Health Enterprises. “While some of the communities served by Doctors Care and Progressive Physical Therapy clinics are already familiar with Novant Health, we look forward to introducing ourselves, including our nationally recognized safety and quality program and our compassionate clinicians, to even more areas of the state. We seek to not only be a trusted health resource, but also an integral part of the community.”

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.