Optum has announced the closure of nearly 90 medical clinics across New Jersey, prompting patients to urgently seek new healthcare providers. The decision will result in the layoff of approximately 572 employees as reported by the New Jersey Department of Labor. Most of these clinics are set to shut down by the end of November 2023, affecting a range of services including primary care, behavioral health, and various specialties such as dermatology and orthopedics.
The abrupt closure leaves many patients grappling with the sudden loss of their healthcare providers. Families now face the challenge of finding alternative medical care, which can be a daunting task. “We will continue to provide pediatric, primary care, cardiology, rheumatology, and urgent care in certain locations across New Jersey,” stated a spokesperson for Optum, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted care for patients during this transition.
Patients Express Frustration Over Care Disruption
For many families, the news has been particularly distressing. Niki Westra and her 10-year-old daughter, Sutton Westra-Chew, visited their pediatrician’s office in Hoboken last Friday, not for a consultation, but to retrieve Sutton’s medical records. The Westras have been patients at the clinic since Sutton’s infancy, making the sudden closure all the more difficult to comprehend.
“Our doctor isn’t being placed anywhere else, so it’s really frustrating because we’ve developed this relationship with her,” Westra shared. Sutton echoed her mother’s sentiment, expressing disappointment over losing her long-term doctor. “I’ve basically been going to this office my entire life, so it’s frustrating because I’ve created a bond with my doctors.”
The search for new pediatricians is proving to be a daunting task for many. “It’s just really, really challenging finding good doctors and good healthcare and people that you trust,” one patient lamented. The short notice of the closures has left many feeling overwhelmed.
Impact on Local Healthcare Landscape
The sudden loss of nearly 90 clinics is expected to have significant ramifications on the healthcare landscape in New Jersey. Patients who relied on these facilities for ongoing treatment and medical advice must now navigate the complexities of switching providers, with many expressing concern about continuity of care.
“I don’t think we should have to go out of town to find medical care,” Westra remarked, highlighting the frustration many residents feel. As Optum works to transition patients to other facilities, the healthcare community watches closely to see how these changes will affect access to care across the state.
As the closures approach, many families are left wrestling with uncertainty regarding their healthcare needs. The ability to find trustworthy and reliable medical professionals remains a pressing concern for those impacted.
