After more than 20 years with the same doctor, Tamela Hartman suddenly finds herself back on the market for a primary care physician. But it’s not by choice — Hartman is one of hundreds of patients across New Jersey affected by the abrupt closure of nearly 90 Optum Health medical offices.

The move has left many scrambling to find care.

“If my family is struggling this much, I can only imagine how devastating this is for others who may be in even more critical situations,” said Hartman.

Optum Health, a subsidiary of the global health company UnitedHealth Group, notified patients this week that it’s closing select locations across New Jersey, according to emails shared with NJ Advance Media.

The offices not only provided primary care for adults and children, but also a wide range of specialty care. Hundreds of patients will be forced to find new specialists to help manage their conditions.

As of Dec. 1, Optum will no longer offer the following services in New Jersey:

Behavioral HealthDermatologyChiropractic EndocrinologyGastroenterologyOrthopedics PodiatryPulmonology

An Optum spokesperson said the decision was made following an internal review.

“As part of our commitment to making health care more affordable, we regularly review our services, footprint and staffing levels to ensure they meet the needs of the people we serve, our business and evolving market dynamics. We will continue to provide pediatric, primary care, cardiology, rheumatology and urgent care in certain locations across New Jersey. We are providing clear information and support to our patients to ensure uninterrupted care,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to NJ Advance Media.

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