Carteret County Partners with Core Care for Smooth Transition at Sea Level Clinic

New Primary Care Services at Sea Level Clinic

Carteret County has announced a significant change in the primary care services offered at the Sea Level clinic located at 458 Hwy 70 in eastern Carteret County. This transition comes after the approval of a new lease agreement during the July 21 meeting of the Carteret County Board of Commissioners. Core Care will now take over operations from Carteret Health Care (CHC) starting in August, marking a new chapter for healthcare in the area.

The new clinic, operated by Core Care, will initially be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays. Plans are in place to expand the hours to five days a week. The clinic will also start accepting walk-ins and new patients with increased scheduling flexibility. While the on-site pharmacy, still managed by CHC, will remain available, it is an essential part of the patient care experience.

Changes in local healthcare can often raise questions, but officials are confident that this transition will benefit the community. Chris Chadwick, Chairman of the Carteret County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of the long-standing commitment of Carteret Health Care to the Down East community. He noted that this transition builds upon that foundation, ensuring residents continue to have reliable access to care close to home. With the same level of service available in Morehead City and Beaufort, the new setup also introduces options like urgent care, aiming to strengthen and expand existing healthcare services.

Core Care will provide a comprehensive range of primary care services, including:

• Preventive Care: Routine check-ups, physicals, immunizations, wellness exams, and cancer screenings.
• Chronic Disease Management: Ongoing support for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and COPD.
• Acute and Chronic Pain Management: Evaluation and treatment options for both short-term and long-standing pain.
• Acute Care: Diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses, infections, and injuries with walk-in availability.
• Behavioral Health Support: Screening and care for depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorders.
• Geriatric Services: Focused care for older adults.
• Specialist Referrals: Coordinated access to specialist care through the CHC system or other facilities.

In addition to these core services, Core Care will also offer modern wellness and specialty services such as:

• Cosmetic medicine including Botox and Jeuveau
• IV drip therapy
• Medical weight loss programs
• Testosterone replacement therapy

Dr. Ramesh Krishnaraj, President & Chief Medical Officer at Core Care, expressed pride in bringing high-quality, patient-centered care to the Down East community. He highlighted that the model expands not only how care is delivered but also who can access it, ensuring that walk-ins, new patients, and those needing both clinical and preventive services are well served.

Dr. Randall Williams, Consolidated Human Services Director for Carteret County, added that the transition allows for further integration of the clinic’s services with other community programs such as Senior Services, Transportation, Social Services, Veterans Services, and Public Health. This creates a more integrated, wraparound system of care for the entire Down East community. Minor facility upgrades, including fresh paint and new greenery, are also planned to enhance the patient experience.

Carteret Health Care, which has provided care in the Down East community for many years, is working in coordination with partners on this transition. The on-site pharmacy will continue to operate, supporting patients with convenient access to prescriptions. Dr. Clyde Brooks, VP of Medical Staff Services at CHC, emphasized the organization's mission to keep care close to home and ensure every patient feels supported. He expressed confidence that Core Care will build on the strong foundation established by the current team to deliver even more care options for the community.

An upcoming public open house at the clinic in August will allow residents to tour the facility, meet the new providers, and learn more about the expanded services. For more information, visit www.corecarelife.com. To schedule an appointment, call or text 252-275-3792 or email info@corecarelife.com.