Novant Health Completes Acquisition of UCI Medical Affiliates, Expanding Presence in South Carolina
Novant Health has officially completed its acquisition of UCI Medical Affiliates, a leading provider of urgent care and healthcare services in the region, in a strategic move to broaden its footprint and enhance healthcare services in South Carolina. The acquisition, which was finalized this week, marks a significant step forward in Novant Health’s mission to improve access to high-quality, convenient healthcare for residents in both urban and rural communities.
UCI Medical Affiliates, headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, operates a network of urgent care centers across the state, offering a wide range of medical services, including walk-in urgent care, occupational health services, and telemedicine. The acquisition expands Novant Health’s urgent care and outpatient services portfolio, positioning the health system to better serve patients with immediate care needs in communities where access to primary and specialized care may be limited.
Novant, a prominent healthcare provider in the southeastern United States, has steadily grown its presence in the region through both organic growth and acquisitions. With this latest acquisition, Novant Health aims to strengthen its position in the competitive South Carolina healthcare market while addressing the growing demand for urgent care services. The integration of UCI Medical Affiliates into Novant Health’s larger network is expected to create a seamless continuum of care for patients, combining urgent care services with Novant Health’s extensive hospital, outpatient, and primary care offerings.
Strengthening Access to Care in South Carolina
Dr. Carl Armato, President and CEO of Novant Health, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, emphasizing the potential for expanding access to high-quality, convenient care across South Carolina. “The addition of UCI Medical Affiliates to the Novant Health family will allow us to further our mission of improving the health of our communities, particularly in regions where access to urgent care and primary care services may be limited,” said Dr. Armato. “This acquisition is an important milestone in our efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare services that meet the evolving needs of our patients.”
The acquisition also aligns with Novant Health’s broader strategy to offer a wide array of services that extend beyond traditional hospital care. Urgent care has become an increasingly important part of the healthcare landscape, especially as more patients seek immediate, non-emergency medical attention without the need for long waits in emergency rooms. The demand for urgent care services has surged in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of accessible, timely healthcare services.
UCI Medical Affiliates operates a network of more than 30 urgent care locations throughout South Carolina, with services that cover everything from minor injuries and illnesses to physical exams and vaccinations. The acquisition will allow Novant Health to integrate these urgent care centers into its existing healthcare infrastructure, making it easier for patients to transition between urgent care, primary care, and specialized services as needed.
Improving Healthcare Integration and Patient Experience
One of the key benefits of the acquisition is the ability to provide a more integrated healthcare experience for patients. By incorporating UCI Medical Affiliates’ urgent care services into Novant Health’s extensive network of hospitals, outpatient centers, and primary care practices, patients will have access to a seamless continuum of care. For instance, patients who visit an urgent care center for a non-emergency issue will now have the option to quickly connect with their primary care physician or receive follow-up care at one of Novant Health’s hospitals if needed.
This integrated approach also positions Novant to better address the growing emphasis on value-based care, where the focus is on improving patient outcomes while reducing overall healthcare costs. By streamlining care across multiple levels of the healthcare system, Novant Health aims to enhance patient satisfaction and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, making healthcare more affordable and efficient.
Future Plans and Expansion
The completion of this acquisition signals Novant Health’s continued investment in its growth and commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare solutions across the region. While Novant Health’s core services include hospitals, outpatient care, and physician practices, the integration of UCI Medical Affiliates will enable the system to offer a broader range of services that meet the immediate needs of patients, while ensuring long-term continuity of care.
Looking forward, Novant Health plans to expand its presence in South Carolina further, potentially growing its network of urgent care centers and increasing access to additional healthcare services. The acquisition is part of Novant Health’s broader strategy to develop a more integrated and patient-centered healthcare model, one that emphasizes access, convenience, and coordinated care.
Conclusion
With the acquisition of UCI Medical Affiliates, Novant Health is poised to enhance its service offerings in South Carolina, delivering comprehensive, high-quality care across multiple settings. By expanding access to urgent care, improving care coordination, and reinforcing its commitment to patient-centered care, Novant Health aims to strengthen its position as a leader in healthcare delivery in the southeastern U.S. The acquisition is a key milestone in Novant Health’s mission to transform healthcare and improve the health of communities across the region.
