Providence, R.I.-based Anchor Medical Associates officially closed all three of its offices on June 30, leaving approximately 25,000 patients without a primary care provider, CBS affiliate WPRI reported.
The closure, announced in April, was attributed to a worsening physician shortage and the group’s inability to recruit replacements for retiring physicians. Rising operational costs and declining reimbursement rates further strained the practice.
“It’s surreal, and it still hasn’t sunk in yet. It is truly a sad day here in Rhode Island because Anchor Medical is an exceptional practice here, giving primary care,” Anchor patient Lisa Buteau told the publication.
In the wake of Anchor’s closure, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee announced several initiatives to address the state’s provider shortage, rising healthcare costs and inadequate reimbursement.
Meanwhile, the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner has implemented new regulations aimed at increasing payer investment in primary care and reducing prior authorization barriers for providers.
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