Small-town family practice to close, patients searching for new doctor

BESSEMER CITY, N.C. — There aren’t many health care options for residents in Bessemer City so when a family practice closes, it’s a big deal.

On Friday, patients of Dr. David Consenza, at Bessemer City Family Medicine, were told the practice will close for good on May 1. The practice is part of Atrium Health.

Garlen Hennessee has been going to see Consenza for eight years. He found a new doctor right away.

“I just hate that I have to move. They gave us a letter with all the other Carolina Healthcare System offices, but we decided to go to the CaroMont office in Kings Mountain,” Hennesee said.

Another patient told Channel 9 she was shocked by the short notice. She is now trying to figure out which doctors will take her insurance, and can provide the care her family needs.

“It was sudden and... it’s going to be hard to find a new doctor that I trust,” she said. “We are sad because we are trying to figure out what’s going on with my health. Now I have to find a new doctor and start over.”

Atrium Health sent a letter to patients. It said the office is closing because “Dr. Consenza has accepted a new position as a specialty medical director with Atrium Health." The hospital system also included a list of three family practices accepting new patients in Gaston County. None of the practices are in Bessemer City.

DOCUMENT: Lawsuit

Atrium Health sent Channel 9 this statement:

“As Dr. Cosenza moves to a new position at Atrium Health, it made sense to combine Bessemer City Family Medicine with Eastridge Family Practice, another Atrium Health practice ten minutes away.  Our goal is a smooth and connected transition for patients and we will continue serving this community with our five primary care locations, a pediatric practice and several other specialty services. We will also be expanding and growing our services in Gaston County with a new Urgent Care facility that will be opening in the Spring and with these changes, we will be increasing the number of providers in Gaston County.”

Cox Media Group