AFC Urgent Care/Family Care in Sevierville Celebrates Grand Opening

A Grand Opening celebration was held for the new AFC Urgent Care/Family Care in Sevierville on Friday.

Larry Kugler and his business partners, along with their Medical Directors Dr. Todd Rudolph and Dr. Natasha Ballard, through their exclusive territorial rights are expanded their operations of the AFC Urgent Care/Family Care model with a center on 713 Winfield Dunn Parkway #9 in Sevierville. The team plans to establish high quality, state-of-the art, walk-in medical centers that are comfortable, convenient and affordable for patients.

“We are excited to combine our deep medical experience and commitment to excellence with the talented urgent care professionals and franchisees as we work together to create a new benchmark for top quality medical care,” says D. Bruce Irwin, M.D., owner and founder of American Family Care. Urgent care fills a void in the medical system, treating those cases which do not require the resources and expense of a hospital emergency room or when a patient may not be able to get in to see their primary care physician.”

AFC Urgent Care/Family Care walk-in medical center differs from other medical centers by offering a consistent, broad range of treatment and services on the spot. Under one roof, experienced physicians will diagnose and treat illnesses, dispense medication and have the capabilities to x-ray and set broken bones. The centers also include on-site labs that give quick test results for ailments such as mono and strep throat, provide treatment for workplace injuries covered by Workers’ Compensation, drug and alcohol screenings, pre-employment and sports physicals, as well as travel immunizations and vaccinations. Plus, the average wait time to see a physician is only 15 – 20 minutes. This is the first time urgent care has been nationally franchised. The national franchise will benefit the local AFC Urgent Care/Family Care by sharing best practices across all centers and leveraging its size to keep prices lower for local consumers.

Kugler and his business partners are also joined with local, highly credentialed physicians to serve as Medical Director at the AFC Urgent Care/ Family Care centers. Dr. Todd Rudolph, M.D. graduated from Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Natasha Ballard, graduated from Ross University School of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Ga. where she held the position of Chief Resident. Their teams of professionals are committed to deliver affordable, efficient, non-emergency treatment to everyone who walks in. They will treat patients and oversee all of the day-to-day medical operations at the center.

AFC is also welcoming two new physicians, Anthony R. Yount, D.O. and Deborah E. Horton, M.D., to serve patients at their new Sevierville location.

“Quality health care that is delivered quickly, conveniently, and compassionately, is what patients deserve,” said Dr. Horton. “Serving Sevierville is an honor, and we are excited to create positive experiences for the people in this community through the services we can provide at our AFC Urgent Care/Family Care Center.”

Prior to joining AFC, Dr. Horton served patients in Sevier County, and Dr. Yount served in nearby Kingsport. Combined, the doctors have more 20 years experience practicing medicine in Tennessee.

“Creating a situation where a patient can get excellent care from a friendly staff is important,” said Dr. Yount. “Joining the new team here at AFC will allow me to provide direct care to patients and make an immediate difference in their lives.”

Photo: CEO Larry Kugler is cuts the ribbon of the new AFC Urgent Care/Family Care in Sevierville.