AdventHealth cites preparation as reason for setbacks
Robbinsville – Though decals adorn the front entrance and a sign welcoming everyone sits on the corner of South Main Street, the scheduled date for AdventHealth’s urgent care opening came and went with no patients seen.
Optimism was through the roof when AdventHealth held an open house on Aug. 6, which included dignitaries from across western North Carolina in attendance and gave those who explored the facility comfort that the year-long gap without a local urgent care was about to come to an end. County officials speculated that operations first would launch on Aug. 1 before pivoting to Sept. 2.
However, The Graham Star later confirmed with AdventHealth personnel that the target date was Monday.
In a statement sent to the Star on Tuesday, spokesperson Victoria Dunkle Noyes revealed that preparations were taking longer than expected. Noyes said AdventHealth Medical Group Multispeciality at Graham County will be ready to see patients Wednesday, Oct. 9.
“We are committed to ensuring that every provider associated with AdventHealth meets the highest standards of credentialing and licensure,” Noyes said. “This thorough vetting process, which includes extensive background checks and compliance with top-tier cybersecurity measures, sometimes takes longer than anticipated. However, this rigorous approach guarantees that our patients receive the safest and highest-quality care possible.
“We are excited to be close to finalizing this process for the three providers who will be caring for people at AdventHealth Medical Group Multispeciality at Graham County.”
Noyes added that patients can begin scheduling appointments the first week of October, either by phone at 828-479-7777 or online at AdventHealthWNC.com.
AdventHealth’s presence in the county-owned building will be attempt No. 3 at having local urgent-care services. Bryson City-based Smoky Mountain Urgent Care operated as a lessee in the building from April 1, 2016 to January 2023, but a lawsuit over several contractual violations ended the relationship.
The county re-opened under the services of Dr. David Booth on Valentine’s Day in 2023, but the facility was once again shuttered just six months later, when Booth was unable to secure credentialing in a timely manner – a crucial step in billing numerous insurance providers. The only consistent tenants of the building has been the adjoining Graham County Dental Clinic, as well as Dr. Scott Bjerkness’ part-time chiropractic practice.