Patients Urged to Request Medical Records as Office Processes Thousands of Transfers
(UCBJ) – Satellite Med (SM) will permanently close its 1120 Sams Street location in Cookeville after two decades, according to a statement signed by Dr. James W. Cates.
This is the second time in as many years Satellite Med has closed. Last year, the clinic closed on January 31, citing struggles through the pandemic and “even more (struggles) through the recent period of inflation.” It reopened a few days later for another try.
Unfortunately, the company has once again decided to shutter its doors in 2026.
“After 20 years of caring for this community, we have come to the point where we must close our doors permanently,” according to the statement. “Satellite Med has been a pillar in our community to the sick and the weary, and we have strived every day to bring the light of Jesus into every visit.”
Mounting pressure on independent medical providers was a factor in the closure.
“Healthcare in America has been in a downward spiral for the last 10 years,” according to Cates. “Insurance companies in particular have made it almost impossible to practice medicine as an independent practice.”
Cates said the companies “consistently reduce their reimbursements” to providers while steadily raising premiums on patients.
“… All while stepping into the medical decision-making process. This has forced providers and practices to try to bring healing to our patients with one hand tied behind our back.”
The company’s final day of treating patients was Thursday, July 23, but it is working through patients’ medical records requests.
“Rest assured that all requests for your medical record to be transferred will be answered and accommodated, but please be patient as we are receiving thousands of requests,” according to Cates. … “It has truly been the honor of our lives to care for you and your families, and we wish you a happy, healthy, blessed future,” according to the statement.
The company is expected to send out further communication on social media soon.
File photo.
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