Forming a rural satellite network.

Group practices enter into a satellite program for many different reasons, the most frequent probably being an effort to expand their referral base. But establishing a successful satellite system is always difficult; either the satellite service area overlaps and intrudes into someone else's "territory" or the area in which the satellite is located has no other pre-existing medical support services of any kind, in which case a group's attempt to "fill the void" often feels like stepping into it. This latter case could have been the fate for the Tarboro Clinic had we not been fortunate enough to become involved in a unique partnership alliance to bring quality health care services to eastern North Carolina.