Doctors Express, the first-ever national urgent care franchise, has awarded a territory to a local businessman who plans to bring to Chattanooga a new concept in healthcare.
Tim Groves, a former business executive in the hotel industry, was awarded the exclusive rights to Doctors Express centers throughout Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Northern South Carolina and hopes to have several centers open within the next five years.
He said he is looking for partners to help him expand.
“We are excited to be awarded this tremendous opportunity with Doctors Express and look forward to providing patient-focused, affordable healthcare to the people of Chattanooga,” said Mr. Groves.
“Chattanooga needs a new healthcare solution, and we believe this is it. I am looking for partners to help me expand this exciting concept in healthcare.”
Officials said the Chattanooga Doctors Express walk-in medical center "differs from other medical clinics by offering a consistent, broad range of treatment and services on the spot. Under one roof, experienced physicians will diagnose and treat illnesses, dispense medication and have the capabilities to x-ray and set broken bones. The centers also include on-site labs that give quick test results for ailments such as mono and strep throat. Plus, the average wait time to see a physician is only 15 – 20 minutes. This is the first time urgent care has been nationally franchised."
Mr. Groves plans to partner with a local, highly credentialed physician to serve as medical director at each of the Doctors Express clinics. The physician will treat patients and oversee all the day-to-day medical operations of the center.
Currently, there are six Doctors Express centers up and running throughout the country. A total of 50 franchises have been sold in 21 states that will be operating by the end of the year. The long term goal is to have some 3,000 Doctors Express centers across the nation.