Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Medical Care Provider in Asheville
Founded in 1978, we are the largest physician-owned family practice in Western North Carolina, dedicated to providing individualized primary care without the complexity of traditional healthcare systems. Our practice meets patients where they are physically, emotionally, and at all stages of life, offering specialized care for childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. We provide comprehensive services including chronic disease management, wellness exams, immunizations, and on-site laboratory and diagnostic testing. Our team-based approach emphasizes prevention, wellness, and management of chronic diseases, with a commitment to accessibility through self-pay discounts and participation in most insurance plans.We pioneered the transition to electronic medical records and were the first NCQA-certified Patient Centered Medical Home in Western North Carolina. Our providers collaborate with specialists to ensure coordinated care, and we offer lifestyle medicine addressing nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. We maintain a patient-centric culture, prioritizing quality and innovation while fostering trust and respect in every interaction.
Services
Annual Physicals
Chronic Disease Management
Immunizations
Wellness Exams
School Physicals
Medication Reviews
Headache Clinic
Behavioral Health Consultations
Lifestyle Medicine Program
Diagnostic Testing
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in family medicine since 1978.
- Our practice provides NCQA-certified Patient Centered Medical Home care.
- We implement a whole-person approach combining traditional and lifestyle medicine.
- Our team includes board-certified providers with specialized training.
- We maintain electronic medical records for efficient, coordinated care.
Associations and certifications
- National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)
Services
Annual Physicals
Comprehensive health assessments for all ages, including vital sign measurements, health risk evaluations, and preventive screenings. Our providers conduct thorough examinations to monitor health status and identify potential concerns early. These visits form the foundation for maintaining wellness and preventing future health issues through personalized care plans.
Chronic Disease Management
Specialized care for diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions through personalized treatment plans. Our team monitors progress, adjusts medications, and provides lifestyle guidance to optimize health outcomes. We emphasize patient education and collaborative decision-making to help patients achieve better disease control and quality of life.
Lifestyle Medicine Program
Evidence-based programs addressing nutrition, physical activity, and stress management to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Certified professionals develop individualized plans incorporating dietary changes, exercise regimens, and mindfulness techniques. This approach complements traditional treatments to improve overall health outcomes through sustainable lifestyle changes.
Headache Clinic
Specialized care for headache disorders including migraines and tension headaches. Board-certified providers offer comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and procedures like nerve blocks. The clinic takes a whole-person approach addressing contributing factors such as stress, sleep patterns, and coexisting medical conditions for effective long-term management.
Diagnostic Testing
On-site laboratory services and diagnostic imaging including X-rays, bone density scans, and cardiac testing. These capabilities enable rapid diagnosis and treatment planning for acute and chronic conditions. Our facilities maintain strict quality standards to ensure accurate results that support timely clinical decision-making and patient care.
People
Bruce Elliston
Founder
Dr. Elliston founded Asheville Family Health Center in 1978, establishing it as Western North Carolina's largest physician-owned family practice. He served as attending physician at MAHEC Residency Program since 1976, shaping family medicine education while building a legacy of comprehensive patient care.
Terry McLane
CEO
Terry served as CEO of The Family Health Centers for 18 years, receiving the 2025 Administrator of the Year award for exceptional leadership in healthcare management. Her tenure focused on enhancing healthcare delivery effectiveness across North Carolina before retiring in 2025.
Samantha Moore
PA-C
Board-certified physician assistant practicing since 2013, providing quality care at the Asheville location. She earned her M.P.A.S. at Barry University and specializes in delivering comprehensive medical services to established patients in Western North Carolina.
Julie Midkiff
PA-C
Board-certified physician assistant practicing since 2003, serving Western North Carolina since 2014. She earned her M.P.A.S. at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and provides primary care services at the Arden location with extensive clinical experience.
Jason Cook
MD
Board-certified family medicine physician specializing in headache disorders since founding the Headache Clinic in 2015. Combines primary care expertise with specialized training to address complex headache conditions through comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment approaches.
Questions
What services does The Family Health Centers offer?
We provide comprehensive primary care including annual physicals, chronic disease management, immunizations, wellness exams, diagnostic testing, and specialized programs like our Headache Clinic and Lifestyle Medicine Program.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
We participate with most major insurance carriers including Medicare. A full directory of accepted insurance plans is available on our website for verification before your appointment.
What payment methods are available?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit. Uninsured patients receive 30% discounts on common fees when paying at time of service.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call 828-258-8681 to schedule appointments, including Saturday care options. Established patients can also request appointments through the patient portal or directly with their pharmacy for medication refills.
What should I bring to appointments?
Bring a picture ID, current insurance cards, medication list, and payment method. Complete pre-appointment forms digitally via Phreesia or print them from our website to save check-in time.
How do you handle prescription refills?
Request refills through your patient portal account or directly with your pharmacy. We recommend timely medication fulfillment and adherence to prescribed treatment plans for optimal health outcomes.
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