Summit Medical Group
was formed in 1995 by 37 Knoxville physicians who had been in
the practice of internal medicine and family practice for up to
40 years. These physicians had similar ideals, practice standards,
and a desire to improve their ability to better serve their patients
and to be successful in the practice of medicine.
With the framework
of this common vision and the strength of pooled resources, Summit
Medical Group has become the largest and most widespread organization
in the provision of primary care in the East Tennessee region.
As the number of physicians
and the size of the company have grown over the past several years,
Summit has become recognized as a regional leader in medical management
and innovation. It has installed advanced and comprehensive information
processing systems for its business functions. In 1999, Summit
began its hospitalist program which has subsequently become one
of the largest such programs in the nation, serving multiple hospitals.
In 2002, electronic prescribing was implemented throughout the
organization, with the new technology enhancing accuracy and reducing
patient wait times for prescriptions. Summit is currently testing
additional electronic medical record technology.
Summit has also been
a leader in the provision of laboratory services and ancillary
care. Its centralized laboratory performs in excess of four million
tests per year while receiving national awards in excellence for
its proficiency. Summit ancillary services are located at three
convenient sites in Knoxville, with mobile ancillary services
available outside Knoxville, and offers improved patient access
to diagnostic testing. Such ancillary facilities allow for streamlined
registration and personalized service in mammography, ultrasound
imaging, diagnostic cardiology testing, nuclear imaging, CT scanning
and MRI.
The presence of three
after-hours care centers located in the Knoxville area improves
access to care for patients with acute outpatient problems requiring
early diagnosis and treatment. No other medical group in Knoxville
has provided access with such convenience of location and availability.
In 2004, Summit opened
a 4-bed, comprehensive sleep disorder clinic that has now grown
to a 12-bed, fully accredited facility with board certified and
board eligible sleep specialists who are dedicated to sleep disorders,
with a central focus on the individual needs of the patient and
serves the needs of Summit and the greater Knoxville area.
In keeping with its
commitment to healthcare, Summit opened a physical therapy clinic
in August 2004. This commitment has now expanded to two clinics
dedicated to evaluating, educating, promoting good health and
individualizing treatment programs in an effort to provide total,
quality healthcare.
Currently,
Summit Medical Group has about 220 physicians in 50 office locations
and 10 hospitals serving patients in 10 counties in the East Tennessee
region. Summit “has come a long way” since its inception
and will continue to be creative and innovative in service. Summit
is moving ahead in other areas as well, including cooperation
with its community hospital partners in meeting primary care needs
and improving inpatient hospital care. Summit’s dedication
to service and excellence remains a prime motivation in providing
for the needs of those who entrust their health to Summit physicians.
