CHI Memorial offices for diabetics, endocrinology to close

Two CHI Memorial office closures will require patients with diabetes, arthritis and other illnesses to search for new providers.

Hospital spokesperson Karen Long emailed the Chattanooga Times Free Press a statement confirming the closures, also announced in a memo posted in the lobby.

“CHI Memorial Endocrinology Associates and CHI Memorial Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates close Aug. 21 and Sept. 3, respectively,” the statement said. “The health care landscape is constantly evolving, and we must adapt to ensure we are providing the most effective and sustainable care for our community.”

The endocrinology office, established in 2022, employs two providers, according to the parent company’s website, while the arthritis and rheumatology office employs three providers. The closure follows major staffing cuts that occurred almost a year ago, when BlueCross BlueShield shifted its major plan to another hospital.

(READ MORE: Memorial cuts staff as BlueCross shifts major plan to another hospital)

While CHI Memorial has not cited a reason for closure, Tennessee Medical Association President Dr. John D. McCarley of Chattanooga said the wider health care landscape is being threatened by a potential reduction in Medicare, as outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. McCarley said that provider assessments cannot be increased to keep pace with increasing costs.

“This means fewer providers will be able to afford to participate in TennCare, which means thousands of Tennesseans could lose access to care,” McCarley said in a written statement. “This uncompensated care burden could further overwhelm our state’s health care safety net and force closures of physician practices and hospitals, especially in rural communities.”

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According to the memo CHI Memorial posted in its offices, patients should expect to receive mailed letters informing them of other specialist resources in the area. The Chattanooga Times Free Press received a copy of the letter from one of the patients, and it states that patients unsure about choosing a new physician should contact the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society at 423-622-2872.

“We at CHI Memorial Medical Group appreciate the trust you have placed in us and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to you,” the letter said. “We are here to assist you in this transition, as your health is our utmost priority.”

Contact Mason Edwards at [email protected] or 423-757-9409.