Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie Now Open

New Approach Transforming Care for Older Patients, Improving Outcomes

Ridgeland, SC – Ochsner and Novant Health leaders will join with Hilton Head Island - Bluffton officials to celebrate the opening of the Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie clinic with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 26, at 50 Terrace Drive in Ridgeland, SC.

The U.S. is seeing a rapid increase in the number of people 65 and older, which is projected to reach 22% of the population by 2040. To stay ahead of this, Ochsner designed 65 Plus to meet the unique and complex health needs of older patients. The comprehensive program offers customized healthcare, social support and wellness resources to care for the whole person.

“We’re excited to partner with Novant Health to provide older adults in the Hilton Head/Bluffton area with an innovative program that is designed around their unique needs and interests,” said Tom Duncan, CEO 65 Plus, Ochsner Health. “We believe in empowering older adults to live their best lives by providing them with the customized care, resources and support they need to thrive. We are excited to embark on this journey of enhanced well-being and look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of our patients."

Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus patients enjoy extended one-on-one time with their primary care doctors. Specializing in common conditions experienced by older adults, like arthritis, diabetes and heart failure, Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus provides a full suite of services, including labs, health coaching and fitness centers.

“Our partnership with Ochsner further increases access to expert, personalized care for older adults in this region and builds on our recent investment in the nearby Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospitals and physician clinics,” said Jason Bernd, senior vice president, Novant Health, and president of Novant Health’s South Carolina region. “We look forward to our continued relationship with Ochsner in support of our long-term vision to improve the health and wellness of communities in South Carolina and across the Southeast.”

The offerings extend beyond traditional medical services to include social and wellness opportunities matched to patients’ interests and lifestyles, such as group fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, health coaching, and card games, among many others.

Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus staff also help patients obtain difficult-to-acquire medications, navigate insurance and obtain financial assistance.

The new Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie­ is the latest such clinic to open, adding to Ochsner 65 Plus locations in Covington and Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Pensacola, Florida. To meet the needs of this growing population, Ochsner plans to open more Ochsner 65 Plus clinics throughout Louisiana and work with partners, including Novant Health, to identify additional locations across the Southeastern U.S.

Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie accepts traditional Medicare and all Humana Medicare Advantage Plans. Appointments can be scheduled through MyOchsner and by calling 843-547-4765.

Clinic tours are available daily, with a hosted tour event scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday, February 28 at 50 Terrace Drive in Ridgeland, SC. The public is invited to meet our physicians and care team to learn more about Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus - Okatie.

Sun City residents are invited to attend a hosted event on Thursday, February 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Pinckney Hall, 114 Sun City Lane.

More information about Ochsner and Novant Health 65 Plus – Okatie is available here.

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About Ochsner Health

Ochsner Health is the leading not-for-profit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 12 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for three consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and connection not found anywhere else in the region. In 2023, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.5 million people from every state in the nation and 65 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 38,000 dedicated team members and over 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

About Novant Health

Novant Health is an integrated network of hospitals, physician clinics and outpatient facilities that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. The Novant Health network consists of more than 1,900 physicians and over 36,000 team members who provide care at more than 800 locations, including 19 hospitals and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2022, Novant Health provided more than $1.5 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services. For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.