News Summary
Careteam Plus is taking vital actions to reduce long wait times for new patient appointments in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties. Starting next week, the organization will offer immediate appointments to help local families seeking medical care amidst rising national averages of 26 days for new patient appointments. By providing access to medical services regardless of insurance status, Careteam Plus aims to address the critical shortage of primary care providers in the area. This initiative complements the expansion plans at Conway Medical Center and ongoing community health efforts.
Conway, SC — Careteam Plus is taking significant steps to combat the prevalent issue of long wait times for new patient appointments in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties. Starting next week, the organization will offer new patient appointments aimed at decreasing the delays that many families face when seeking medical care. This initiative is particularly timely as the average wait time for a new patient appointment across the nation has increased to 26 days, marking an 8% rise since 2017.
This new access to appointments is crucial for local residents who frequently experience waits that extend into weeks or even months to see a physician. A national shortage of primary care providers, combined with a growing demand for healthcare services, has exerted considerable pressure on the existing healthcare resources. Careteam Plus strives to alleviate this burden by providing timely access to medical services.
Access and Inclusivity
Careteam Plus distinguishes itself as a federally qualified health center look-alike, catering to an underserved population. The organization welcomes families regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay, thus ensuring that healthcare becomes accessible to everyone. Aside from offering immediate appointments, Careteam Plus provides vital medical services to the uninsured, underinsured, and those facing high deductibles.
Individuals interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by calling 843-234-0005 or booking online, further facilitating access to necessary healthcare services for the community.
Local Healthcare Developments
In conjunction with Careteam Plus’s efforts to enhance healthcare access, Conway Medical Center is also expanding to meet the growing healthcare demands of the region. The medical center is preparing to build a new 12,150-square-foot emergency department, which is slated to open in 2026. This expansion will increase the center’s capacity to accommodate more than 10,000 annual patient visits and will feature eight emergency beds along with advanced imaging services such as CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI.
Moreover, the construction and operation of the new emergency department are anticipated to create over 250 jobs, supporting the local economy in addition to addressing healthcare needs.
Community Health Initiatives
To further improve health access in Horry County, Healthy Horry has been awarded a $750,000 grant from The Duke Endowment. This funding is part of the Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas initiative, which aims to tackle chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes through programs focused on healthy eating and active living. This grant highlights the ongoing efforts to boost community health and recognizes the importance of preventive care.
Public Health Concerns
The healthcare landscape in South Carolina reveals pressing public health issues. The state ranks sixth in the nation for chlamydia infection rates and presents worrisome statistics for other sexually transmitted infections. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced healthcare access, education, and community health programs to address these critical health concerns.
In summary, the initiative by Careteam Plus to reduce wait times for new patient appointments is part of a larger movement to improve healthcare access in the region, supported by upcoming developments at Conway Medical Center and initiatives aimed at public health improvement. As healthcare resources continue to feel the strain of increasing demand, these measures may be pivotal in ensuring timely medical care for families in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE News
- WMBF News
- My Horry News
- NBC News
- SC Daily Gazette
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Google Search: healthcare access South Carolina
- Google Scholar: healthcare access South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: healthcare access
- Google News: healthcare issues South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
