More doctors offices bring choices

Some people are referring to the ever-growing number of doctor offices on one stretch of road in Evans as the "Evans Medical Mile."

And, with the recent openings of three new offices in the area, that medical mile is offering residents in Columbia County more patient care options.

Evans Urgent Care, located on North Belair Road across from the Evans Post Office, officially opened for business Oct. 11, but began seeing patients in mid-September. It is one of few family practices that still makes house calls.

"We felt that there was a need in the community for this service for individuals who can't leave their homes or are too ill," said Christine Wallentine. Her husband, Dr. Brett Wallentine, is the only physician in the practice and is board certified in family practice.

"(House calls) are a good way to assess patient's needs because it gives the physician more information," Mrs. Wallentine said.

Evans Urgent Care also accepts walk-ins and is opened extended hours, including half a day on Saturdays and Sundays.

While Evans Urgent Care is just opening in the area, another Evans office is expanding. Drs. Sherry Barinowski and David Hogue have recently joined Family Physicians of Evans, a University Hospital-owned practice, according to Beverly Parnell, the practice site manager for Family Physicians of Evans and Family Physicians of Martinez. The Evans office is located off Belair Road, while the Martinez office is located at the corner of Flowing Wells and Columbia roads.

The consolidation of a satellite office and a downtown office of the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery led to the opening of the dental business in Evans.

"We felt like population trends were certainly in our favor of moving," said David Nye, office manager of the practice, which employs dentists Keith S. Blevins, Kyle H. O'Neal and H. Anthony Neal. Combined, the three dentists have more than 50 years of experience in providing dental care.

"We are very thankful we haven't lost any patients in the move," said Nye, adding that the Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has been in business for 30 years.

The practice is located at 671 North Belair Road, across from the new Evans courthouse.