Charlotte NC is one of the biggest cities in the southeast United States and it’s population is growing quickly. Â To respond to that population growth, the healthcare providers in the Charlotte area are in greater and greater demand. Â Two main companies, Novant Medical and Atrium, formerly Carolina’s Healthcare System, provide the bulk of medical services in the area, with various independent clinics also offering their services. By far, it is easier to locate doctors in the large conglomerations over those who aren’t associated with any specific firm. Despite the prevalence of hospitals in Charlotte, only 2 passed recent safety rating reviews by the Leapfrog Group. 
Novant, previously Presbyterian Medical Center
Novant is based in Winston Salem now but the original Presbyterian Hospital started in 1903 in Charlotte. There are 6 Novant hospitals serving the area. Novant is nationally ranked as high performing in one adult specialty and 7 procedures or techniques. Novant’s latest Leapfrog survey results indicated they are strong in many areas but need improvement in safe medication administration, infections acquired in hospital, and lowering C section rates from a 27% average.
Atrium Health – formerly Carolina’s Healthcare System
Atrium Health is the biggest nonprofit hospital group in the southeast started in Charlotte in 1940. It provides cancer treatments at the Levine Cancer Institute and care, heart disease care, and even organ transplants. Over the Charlotte area there are 18 CMC hospitals and still growing. Nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and 6 pediatric specialties. Recent safety surveys by the Leapfrog consumer advocacy group only gave 2 hospitals in the area an A rating- Atrium’s Pineville and University hospitals. Leapfrog performs the safety audit’s twice a year measuring things like patient infection rates, medical errors, and other issues. Last fall only the Pineville hospital earned an A rating.
It is interesting to note that the C-section rates for some of the top hospitals are as high as 22%, For women seeking pregnancy care in their first trimester, that is an important statistic to be aware when choosing an obstetrician. Prenatal screenings may result in women being encouraged by medical professionals to have an abortion, despite inaccuracies in diagnostic screenings. Prenatal and obstetric care is big business in the Charlotte area as many women are getting pregnant every month.
Mecklenburg county hospitals are also available to serve local residents.
The demand for healthcare workers in Charlotte, from maintenance and administration to physicians assistants and surgeons continues to grow. The question of effectiveness and quality of service will continued to be balanced by government regulations, hospital management, and consumer demand.
