GREENVILLE, N.C. — A legal battle is brewing over the operations of a local family medicine practice, Carolina East Family Medicine, which has recently come under new management by Quasar Health Solutions. The medical office, long-standing in the community, found itself shuttered suddenly a few weeks ago, following the departure of its former owner and primary physician, Dr. Charles Jahrsdorfer, due to health issues.
In the wake of the closure, serious allegations have surfaced, leading Quasar Health Solutions to file a lawsuit against Jahrsdorf. According to Quasar, the practice they acquired was not operating as a standard family medicine clinic but resembled more closely a center embroiled in the opioid crisis. Quasar’s CEO, Sean Fienberg, stated the organization’s commitment to rectifying the operational direction of the clinic, which they claim had been excessively prescribing and refilling controlled substances, contrary to medical guidelines.
The complaint by Quasar further details that these prescriptions were readily given to a large segment of patients who were recurrent users of these controlled drugs, making it unusually easy for them to obtain refills under Dr. Jahrsdorfer’s care. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses the clinic of overbilling third-party payers for services that were reportedly never rendered.
Amid these troubling accusations, the clinic’s operational hiatus has significantly impacted the local community, with many patients left without necessary medical support. Fienberg expressed his concern over the disruption of care and emphasized efforts by the staff to contact patients for necessary prescription refills. Quasar plans to reopen the clinic on July 15, with enhanced services and a renewed focus on legitimate medical practices.
The legal defense for Dr. Jahrsdorfer, provided by his wife Doreen Jahrsdorfer who is also named in the lawsuit, firmly denies all allegations. Their statement declares an intention to strongly defend against the claims, highlighting that Dr. Jahrsdorfer’s abrupt termination during his medical leave complicates their position.
Local reactions have been mixed. Some of Dr. Jahrsdorfer’s former patients and employees, spoken to on Monday, voiced their dissatisfaction with the doctor’s dismissal, emphasizing his kindness and the value of his caregiving. These personal testimonies highlight a stark contrast between the legal allegations and the community’s perception of Dr. Jahrsdorfer.
Adding to the complexity, Quasar has announced plans not only to reopen the family medicine office but to also expand its services. The new offerings outlined by Fienberg include acupuncture, diagnostic services, and IV therapy. These expansions are part of a broader initiative to revamp the existing practice and restore trust and quality in services offered to the community.
As the lawsuit proceeds and the reopening of the clinic approaches, it remains to be seen how the transition will reshape the provision of healthcare in this North Carolina community, and whether Quasar’s initiatives will effectively address the concerns raised by both the legal challenge and the patients’ needs.