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Patients given choice of 2 providers after 100 doctors split from medical group

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There are nearly 100 doctors who will split away from Mecklenburg Medical Group at the end of August ,and letters are in the mail telling about 100,000 patients to make a choice.

Eyewitness News reporter Paul Boyd confirmed the doctors that are leaving will open new offices in less than two months.

Vicki Cannon said her primary care doctor with Mecklenburg Medical Group is leaving, and she's going with her.

“I don't want to give up my doctor so if she's leaving, I'm going with her,” Cannon said.

The letters sent out to patients give them a choice between Atrium Health and the newly formed Tryon Medical Partners. It also provides websites and phone numbers for each entity.

LINK: Letter to patients

"The choice is all theirs,” Tryon Medical Partners spokesman Tom Williams said.

There have been 90 doctors that have sued Atrium, asking to leave.

They were told to go ahead and leave by the medical giant several months ago.

Atrium Health officials said they are working toward a smooth transition and provided a statement that reads in part: "Atrium Health has recruited new physicians, is committed to meeting all of our patients' healthcare needs and looks forward to caring for patients in all of our current locations."

Patients that choose to leave can have their medical records transferred.

Tryon Medical Partners is leasing space at eight locations throughout the Charlotte area.

Its largest practice will be in SouthPark.

“The whole point is to make this as convenient as possible for our patients,” Williams said. “The locations largely track where patients currently go for Mecklenburg Medical.”

They continue to accept all major insurance and first appointments begin Sept. 5.

Tryon Medical Partners conceded not all locations will be ready for patients by that date, and some may not open until November.

“It makes me feel a little better that it's coming to a close,” Cannon said.

Private investors are helping fund this breakaway group of doctors.

The doctors are not the only people leaving Atrium this summer.

At the end of June, 150 anesthesiologists lost their contract with Atrium.

They tried to stop the hospital system from hiring doctors from another provider, but a judge ruled in favor of Atrium.

Atrium Health Statement:

"During this transition, we – Atrium Health and the physicians who will form Tryon Medical Partners – have focused on our joint interest of ensuring that our patients continue to receive the best care possible. We have been communicating with our patients about this and are in the process of sending letters to provide information they need to help make decisions about their medical care following this transition. Atrium Health and Tryon Medical Partners both have the same goal of providing patients with the best medical care possible and working together for the benefit of our patients and communities. Atrium Health has recruited new physicians, is committed to meeting all of our patients' healthcare needs and looks forward to caring for patients in all of our current locations."

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