The pandemic and inflation have taken its toll

According to an announcement by Satellite Med (SM), the fast pace walk-in clinic in Cookeville has closed the 1120 Sams Street location in Cookeville. Friday Jan. 31 was the final day for the clinic, according to a statement.

SM said in the statement that serving the community has been a privilege.

“The trust you have placed in us has honored us immensely. God gave us the vision for Satellite Med in 2005 and we have strived each day since to stay true to the mission and the calling the Lord placed on our hearts. Over the last two decades, we have been dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus and He (Jesus) has done a mighty work,” according to the company.

The pandemic and inflation have taken its toll on another business. It is a story that is all too common as of late.

“Like many small businesses, Satellite Med struggled through the Epidemic and even more through the recent period of inflation,” according to the statement. “The cost of health care including supplies, services, technology, utilities and labor has become insurmountable while the insurance companies and other payors have not adjusted with this inflation. We disagree with passing the shortfall to the uninsured and the underinsured. We have made every attempt to get better reimbursement but have not been successful. We have had only an increase of $0.52 per patient visit since 2013.”

SM says they are not alone in the struggle.

“Many other practices are also facing the same struggles. Even corporate giants like Walmart and Amazon are abandoning their health care ventures,” according to the statement.” We have confidence in our providers and will help them in any way find another place to practice medicine, however, none of this information is known at this time. …”

For more information call 931-528-7312, email info@satellitemed.com or visit satellitemed.com.

Photo via Facebook.

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