KidzCare Pediatrics has successfully integrated Premier Pediatrics, P.A. into its growing network of pediatric healthcare services, further solidifying its commitment to accessible medical care across North Carolina. The newly acquired practice, led by Dr. Jill Roberson, will continue operating from its Southern Pines location with unchanged practice hours. The expansion represents a strategic move for KidzCare Pediatrics, which now serves 70 counties through 26 locations statewide. By incorporating Premier Pediatrics, the organization extends its nationally recognized NCQA Patient-Centered Advanced Medical Home model to an even broader patient population.
Dr. Ashok Jain of KidzCare Pediatrics emphasized the significance of the integration, highlighting the opportunity to provide seamless and compassionate pediatric care to more families. Dr. Roberson echoed this sentiment, noting that the merger allows her practice to offer patients access to broader resources while maintaining the personalized care they have come to expect. Patients will experience a smooth transition as KidzCare integrates Premier Pediatrics' systems into its robust technological platform. The practice will continue to offer comprehensive services, including wellness visits, immunizations, behavioral health consultations, chronic condition management, and sick care.
KidzCare Pediatrics, with over 20 years of service, remains committed to accessibility and affordability, participating in the National Health Service Corps to ensure no patient is denied care due to financial constraints. This integration matters because it demonstrates how healthcare consolidation can expand specialized care models like the NCQA Patient-Centered Advanced Medical Home to underserved areas while preserving local practice continuity. The implications include increased healthcare access in Southern Pines and surrounding regions, potential standardization of quality metrics across more locations, and enhanced resource sharing for complex pediatric cases. For families, this means maintaining trusted relationships with providers like Dr. Roberson while gaining access to KidzCare's broader network and technological capabilities.
The acquisition reflects a growing trend in pediatric healthcare toward integrated networks that balance scale with personalized care. By expanding to 26 locations, KidzCare strengthens its ability to address healthcare disparities across North Carolina's 70 counties, particularly through its commitment to the National Health Service Corps. This matters for rural and underserved communities where specialized pediatric resources are often limited. The preservation of practice hours and location ensures minimal disruption for existing patients while potentially attracting new families seeking comprehensive pediatric services. Ultimately, this integration represents a model for healthcare expansion that prioritizes both systemic efficiency and individual patient relationships, with implications for how pediatric networks might evolve to meet diverse community needs statewide.
