Doctors Express, the first ever national urgent care franchise, has awarded a territory to four local business executives who plan to revolutionize medical care in Chattanooga, Hixson, and Cleveland with a new concept in health care.
Larry Kugler and his business partners, along with their medical directors, Dr. James Newby, Dr. Todd Rudolph, and Dr. Teresa Baysden, were awarded the exclusive rights to the Doctors Express center on Gunbarrel Road in Chattanooga, Highway 153 in Hixson, and Mouse Creek Road in Cleveland. The team plans to establish high quality, state-of-the art, walk-in medical centers that are comfortable, convenient and affordable for patients.
“We are excited to be awarded this tremendous opportunity with Doctors Express and look forward to providing patient-focused, affordable healthcare to patients in Southeast Tennessee,” said Dr. Newby. “Urgent care fills a void in the medical system, treating those cases which do not require the resources and expense of a hospital emergency room or when a patient may not be able to get in to see their primary care physician.”
The Doctors Express walk-in medical center differs from other medical centers 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, provide treatment for workplace injuries covered by Workers’ Compensation, drug and alcohol screenings, pre-employment and sports physicals, as well as travel immunizations and vaccinations. 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. The national franchise will benefit the local Doctors Express by sharing best practices across all centers and leveraging its size to keep prices lower for local consumers.
Mr. Kugler and his business partners are also joined with local, highly-credentialed physicians to serve as medical director at the Doctors Express urgent care centers. Dr. James Newby, D.O., graduated from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.V. Dr. Todd Rudolph, M.D., graduated from Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Tx. Dr. Teresa Baysden, D.O., graduated from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville, Ky. Drs. Newby, Rudolph, and Baysden will deliver affordable, efficient, non-emergency treatment to almost anyone who walks in. They will treat patients and oversee all of the day-to-day medical operations at the center.
Doctors Express has awarded 145 franchise territories across 25 states with 62 centers currently open nationwide. The long term goal is to have 1,000 Doctors Express centers across the nation, so that a recognizable, reliable healthcare option is available wherever you travel in the U.S.