AFC/ Doctors Express Ranks in Prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500®

Birmingham, Ala. (PRWEB) February 11, 2014 -- Underscoring its distinction as a proven, profitable franchise for a second consecutive year, AFC/ Doctors Express announces its ranking on the prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500® list. AFC/Doctors Express has climbed to the No. 264 spot on the coveted list which spotlights the country’s most successful franchises with proven stability, financial strength and growth.

AFC/ Doctors Express is the first nationally franchised urgent care system offering affordable, accessible, quality health care. The company began franchising in 2008, expanding from its roots in Maryland to locations across the nation. In 2013, American Family Care acquired Doctors Express, creating the second largest privately owned urgent care system in the country. AFC/Doctors Express continues to expand its national footprint, serving more than one million patients.

“We’re delighted to have been named one of the most successful franchise systems in the country,” says D. Bruce Irwin, M.D., owner and founder of American Family Care Centers. “We’re attractive to investors because we’re a recession resistant business that’s experiencing explosive growth. Our patients are attracted to our convenient, quality healthcare and 100 percent patient satisfaction. Patients know that when they come through our doors they’re treated with respect, kindness and professionalism by our caring staff. Our franchisees help make this brand great while offering their communities a valuable service. They are growing successful businesses, while at the same time making a difference in people’s lives.”

“Compiling the Franchise 500® every year gives us the opportunity to share data-driven insights, reflect on areas seeing progress and acknowledge the companies that have risen to the top,” says Amy Cosper, VP and editor in chief of Entrepreneur. “Franchises play an important part in economic growth, and the names in the ranking are leading the way with their continued and emerging business success.”

The rankings for all 500 companies are determined using an exclusive formula that takes into account objective and quantifiable factors. An independent CPA analyzes all financial data. The most important factors include financial strength and stability, growth rate and size of the system. All franchises are given a cumulative score, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 ® in ranking order.

Over its 35 years in existence, the Franchise 500 ® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for entrepreneurs. AFC/Doctors Express’ position on the ranking reinforces its strength in the industry.

About AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care:
Founded by an emergency room physician seeking a more efficient, affordable and personable system for urgent care patients, AFC/Doctors Express walk-in medical centers are sweeping the country as the nation's largest urgent care franchise. AFC/Doctors Express provides state-of-the-art treatment for acute illness, trauma (including minor surgical procedures) and has on-site laboratory and digital x-ray service as well as medication dispensing. Pre-employment physicals, drug screening and treatment of work related injuries are also available to local employers. In 2013, American Family Care acquired Doctors Express, further expanding its reach and available services. By the end of 2014, AFC/Doctors Express will operate more than 160 facilities in 26 states, providing care to more than a million patients. For more information visit http://www.doctorsexpress.com or http://www.americanfamilycare.com.

About American Family Care:
American Family Care is the second largest privately owned urgent care operator in the country. D. Bruce Irwin, M.D. founded the company in 1982 in Hoover, Ala., with a business model of “putting the patient first.” The clinics are designed, equipped and staffed to provide accessible primary care, urgent care, minor emergency treatment and occupational medicine. AFC clinics use a high-tech, high-touch approach to medical care, with digital x-rays, laboratories and medication dispensing available on-site. AFC also offers a Specialty Clinic (general surgery), WeighToLive, and U-Save Pharmacy at many of its clinics. In 2013, AFC acquired Doctors Express, the largest national urgent care franchise. By the end of 2014, AFC/Doctors Express will operate more than 160 facilities in 26 states, providing care to more than a million patients. For more information, visit http://www.americanfamilycare.com.

Mary Erskine, 919 Marketing, +1 (919) 459-8158, [email protected]