Prisma Health Expands Urgent Care Network as Novant Health Shifts Focus to Virtual Services

October 4, 2026 - 13:30

Two major health systems in South Carolina are taking sharply different paths when it comes to how they deliver everyday medical care.

Prisma Health has announced it will acquire 36 urgent care centers from Novant Health, effectively doubling the size of its existing urgent care portfolio. The move signals a strong commitment to in-person, same-day treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. Prisma officials say the expansion will give patients faster access to care and reduce pressure on emergency departments, which often see patients who could be treated in a less intensive setting.

Novant Health, meanwhile, is heading in the opposite direction. The system plans to lean more heavily on virtual visits, allowing patients to consult with clinicians through video calls and online platforms. This approach aims to cut costs, reach rural communities, and offer convenience for routine concerns that do not require a physical exam.

The contrast reflects a broader debate in American healthcare. Some providers bet that patients still want face-to-face contact for urgent needs. Others argue that digital tools can handle a growing share of visits safely and efficiently. Both systems say their choices are driven by patient demand and local market conditions. How these strategies play out could influence decisions by other hospital networks across the region.