Owner of Carolina East Family Medicine addresses sudden closure

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – An eastern Carolina medical practice has suddenly discontinued its services – all while in the midst of a legal battle with its previous owner.

Quasar Health Solutions and Dr. Sean Feinberg bought Carolina East Family Medicine last December, but as of Tuesday, they made the decision to stop providing care at their facility on Charles Blvd. in Greenville.

Jaylen Carter stopped by Carolina East Family Medicine on Wednesday after trying to call the office’s line.

“Previously I had called to see if I could set up an appointment, but nobody answered the phone. I called again the next day and figured I’d try one more time today,” said Carter.

When he tried to go inside, he noticed a sign on the front door.

“I came over here and they were closed down. Unfortunately, I have to find somewhere else to go,” said Carter.

Carter and several patients of Carolina East Family Medicine are now scrambling to find another provider after the facility’s owner, Quasar Health Solutions, announced that the practice would stop services Tuesday.

The letter, which was posted to the practice’s Facebook page and Quasar’s website, revealed that due to “changes within the organization,” the practice had to shut down.

Quasar Health Solutions and Dr. Sean Feinberg purchased the practice from long-time owner Dr. Charles Jahrsdorfer last December. But since then, Quasar says they’ve encountered troubles financially and operationally, leaving them with no choice but to shut down.

“There’s no net positive. There’s overhead expenses, there’s salaries, there’s things you have to sustain as a business owner,” said Dr. Feinberg. “It’s painful because we’ve sustained it for a long time now, and unfortunately, it’s the point of no return.

Back in July, WITN learned of a lawsuit filed by Quasar against Dr. Jahrsdorfer. Dr. Feinberg says the reasons stated in the lawsuit contributed to the decision to close.

“There was malalignment with a true patient-centric family practice model,” said Dr. Feinberg. “It made it very difficult to sustain and grow. Ultimately, there was irreparable financial damage.”

According to the lawsuit, Dr. Jahrsdorfer stayed on staff at Carolina East during the transition of ownership. Quasar said it was during this time that they believed the practice they had acquired resembled facilities that operated during the opioid epidemic.

WITN has reached out to Dr. Jahrsdorfer’s family about the closure, but we did not hear back.

The letter from Quasar informs patients who have received care within the last six months will be given a 90-day supply of maintenance medications and a 30-day supply of controlled medications, within legal limits.

The letter also asks patients to submit medical records requests by October 3.

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