Palmetto Proactive Physicians Featured in Regional News for Direct Primary Care - January 19th 2026

Palmetto Proactive was recently featured in regional news coverage examining how direct primary care is changing access to healthcare across South Carolina. The story includes insights from Palmetto Proactive co-founders Dr. Chris McCarthy and Dr. Jerome Aya‑Ay, who shared why they believe stronger doctor-patient relationships are essential to better care.

Why the Coverage Matters

The coverage highlights concerns shared by many physicians and patients, including limited appointment times, insurance-driven care decisions, and rising healthcare costs. Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Aya-Ay explain how these challenges can interfere with quality care and why they chose a model that removes many of the administrative barriers between doctors and patients.

By operating outside of traditional insurance billing for primary care, direct primary care allows physicians to focus on longer visits, better communication, and continuity of care—factors that are often difficult to achieve in larger, insurance-based systems.

Local Impact Across the Upstate

The story also features how employers and families in the Upstate are incorporating direct primary care into their healthcare approach. Business owners describe improved access to care, reduced wait times, and a healthcare experience centered on relationships rather than volume.

For Palmetto Proactive, this reflects a growing local interest in healthcare models that prioritize access, transparency, and time with a physician—especially in communities where timely primary care can be difficult to access.

Physician-Led, Patient-Focused Care

In the coverage, Dr. McCarthy and Dr. Aya-Ay emphasize that meaningful face-to-face time with patients is essential for effective care. Longer visits allow physicians to understand patient concerns more fully, manage chronic conditions proactively, and provide guidance that supports long-term health.

Direct primary care removes many of the pressures that shorten visits and limit communication, allowing care to be guided by patient needs rather than administrative requirements.

Read the Full Coverage

• FOX Carolina – View the FOX Carolina story
   

• InvestigateTV – Watch the InvestigateTV segment on direct primary care

Supporting Better Healthcare Through Direct Primary Care

Palmetto Proactive remains committed to providing accessible, patient-centered primary care built around time, transparency, and trusted relationships. Being included in this regional coverage reflects a broader conversation about how healthcare can better serve patients and communities across South Carolina.