Asheville Urology Services Facing Physician Exodus

Asheville Urology Services Facing Physician Exodus

Asheville Watchdog has uncovered a concerning trend at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where the urology department is losing physicians at an alarming rate. The departure of key urologists from both Mission Urology and Asheville Urological Associates has raised questions about the future of urology services in the area.

Physician Departures at Mission Hospital

According to documents and emails obtained by Asheville Watchdog, three urologists have left Mission Urology since October 2023. One physician departed in October, another was terminated in January, and a third plans to leave by July 4. These departures come at a time when Mission Hospital is already facing a shortage of specialists in various departments.

Asheville Urological Associates Relinquish Privileges

Adding to the challenge, urologists from Asheville Urological Associates have decided to give up their practice privileges at Mission Hospital. The group, owned by GenesisCare, began relinquishing privileges in 2022 and now provides services at AdventHealth Hospital and UNC Health Pardee in Hendersonville.

Concerns About Urology Services

The exodus of urologists from both Mission Urology and Asheville Urological Associates has raised concerns about the future of urology services in the region. With the potential reduction of specialist urologists to just two by the summer, patients may face challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care for urological conditions.

Impact on Patient Care

The departure of key urologists from Mission Hospital and Asheville Urological Associates could have a significant impact on patient care in the area. Patients may experience delays in scheduling appointments, longer wait times for procedures, and potential disruptions in continuity of care.

Hospital Response and Recruitment Efforts

When asked about the physician departures and the decision by Asheville Urological Associates to relinquish privileges, Mission Hospital spokesperson Nancy Lindell stated that the hospital continues to recruit for open urology positions. However, the challenges faced by the hospital in retaining urologists raise questions about the overall stability of the urology department.

Concerns About Hospital Management

Former Mission Urology physician Dr. Brian Cohen highlighted concerns about the management of Mission Hospital, citing issues with pay, operating room procedures, and overall hospital administration. These concerns, coupled with the physician exodus, point to broader challenges within the hospital system.

Future of Urology Services

Asheville residents may soon face a critical shortage of urologists, with the potential loss of key specialists in the region. The departure of physicians from Mission Hospital and Asheville Urological Associates underscores the challenges faced by healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive urology services to the community.

Conclusion

Asheville’s urology services are at a crossroads, with the potential loss of key specialists impacting patient care and access to vital medical services. The exodus of physicians from Mission Hospital and Asheville Urological Associates raises concerns about the future of urology care in the region and underscores the need for strategic recruitment and retention efforts to address the growing physician shortage.