Summit Medical Group was formed in 1995 by 35 Knoxville physicians who had been in the practice of internal medicine and family practice for up to 40 years. These physicians had similar ideals, practice standards, and a desire to improve their ability to better serve their patients and to be successful in the practice of medicine.
With the framework of this common vision and the strength of pooled resources, Summit Medical Group has become the largest and most widespread organization in the provision of primary care in the East Tennessee region.
As the number of physicians and the size of the company have grown over the past several years, Summit has become recognized as a regional leader in medical management and innovation. It has installed advanced and comprehensive information processing systems for its business functions. In 1999, Summit began its hospitalist program serving multiple hospitals in the Knoxville area. In 2002, electronic prescribing was implemented throughout the organization, with the new technology enhancing accuracy and reducing patient wait times for prescriptions. Summit is currently testing additional electronic medical record technology.
Summit has also been a leader in the provision of laboratory services and ancillary care. Its centralized laboratory performs in excess of five million tests per year while receiving national awards in excellence for its proficiency. Summit ancillary services are located at three convenient sites in Knoxville, with mobile ancillary services available outside Knoxville, and offers improved patient access to diagnostic testing. Such ancillary facilities allow for streamlined registration and personalized service in mammography, ultrasound imaging, diagnostic cardiology testing, nuclear imaging, CT scanning and MRI.
The presence of three after-hours care centers located in the Knoxville area improves access to care for patients with acute outpatient problems requiring early diagnosis and treatment. No other medical group in Knoxville has provided access with such convenience of location and availability.
In 2004, Summit opened a 4-bed, comprehensive sleep disorder clinic that has now grown to a 10-bed, fully accredited facility with board certified and board eligible sleep specialists who are dedicated to sleep disorders, with a central focus on the individual needs of the patient and serves the needs of Summit and the greater Knoxville area.
In keeping with its commitment to healthcare, Summit opened a physical therapy clinic in August 2004. This commitment has now expanded to seven clinics dedicated to evaluating, educating, promoting good health and individualizing treatment programs in an effort to provide total, quality healthcare.
Currently, Summit Medical Group has about 300 physicians in 66 office locations and 2 hospitals serving patients in 15 counties in the East Tennessee region. Summit “has come a long way” since its inception and will continue to be creative and innovative in service. Summit is moving ahead in other areas as well, including cooperation with its community hospital partners in meeting primary care needs and improving inpatient hospital care. Summit’s dedication to service and excellence remains a prime motivation in providing for the needs of those who entrust their health to Summit physicians.