This is a multidisciplinary practice that is part of the CareSouth Carolina network and has been providing primary health care services in the Pee Dee for 22 years. Management of patient care is based on the Chronic Care Model in which the health care team integrates the community, the health care system, support systems for patient self management and decision making, and the direct medical care delivery system and clinical information systems into the delivery of care to the patient.

CareSouth Carolina is a private, non-profit community-owned business that operates medical centers in Bennettsville, Lake View, Bishopville, Cheraw, Hartsville, and Society Hill as well as a community development office in the town of McColl in Marlboro County. It received the 1999 Community Health Center Achievement Award from the South Carolina Primary Care Association. In 2000, it became one of only 15 ambulatory care organizations in South Carolina to be accredited by the JCAHO. In 2001, CareSouth Carolina received the outstanding rural practice award from the South Carolina Rural Health Association. It is the only Community Health Center in the nation designated as an Area Agency on Aging. Its Care INNOVATIONS provides local access to comprehensive HIV/AIDS primary health care services.

The CareSouth Carolina Bennettsville family medicine facility consists of eight exam rooms, one procedure room, and a laboratory with additional room for expansion into the remainder of the building. A telemedicine system in the procedure room is equipped with diagnostic peripherals such as a derma scope, ENT scope, and colposcope. The system can be moved to the conference area for remote administrative and education conferences. Radiology facilities are across the street at Marlboro Park Hospital.

Marlboro Park Hospital, Bennettsville, SC is the primary referral site for CareSouth Carolina, Bennettsville. This small rural hospital has a daily census between 20 and 30 patients. McLeod Regional Hospital in Florence is available for services not available in Marlboro County.

Students rotating at CareSouth Carolina, Bennettsville are housed in a home owned by the University of South Carolina Development Foundation. The house is located in a lovely residential neighborhood. There are four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, computer work station, alarm clocks in each bedroom plus sheets and towels are provided. Housing details will be provided at student orientation. (No Pets, Please) Questions may be directed to Andy Kurtzman at akurtzman@bellsouth.net or by calling 843-479-1350.