A group of physicians that planned to leave Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health will now do so two months earlier than expected, according to the Charlotte Observer.
In January, the health system confirmed the departures of 41 physicians by May 31. However, the number has since dropped to 40, as one physician opted to stay with Novant instead of transfering to Holston Medical Group in Kingsport, Tenn.
The 40 physicians will instead leave the health system March 18. While the group initially sought to continue practicing at their current locations, Novant said in an updated statement to the Charlotte Observer that the physicians will instead open 13 new offices across the state.
A spokesperson for Holston Medical Group told the publication the departing physicians are not contractually obligated to remain with the health system past March 18.
One of the physicians spearheading the move told the Charlotte Observer in a statement that nearly 5,000 patients will follow the physicians to Holston.
Novant previously told the publication it retains approximately 900 physicians in the Charlotte area.
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