Doctors' offices and a YMCA in Ballentine, S.C., share space and promote wellness, according to an article on The State website.

The concept isn’t unique, though it’s new for the YMCA in South Carolina, according to Bryan Madden, CEO of YMCA of Columbia. He knows of one similar shared facility in Indiana and one in Iowa, and suspects there might be five or six nationwide now, the article said.

The partnership also dovetails with the effort to create patient-centered medical homes, designed to connect patients to a primary care physician and a care team. 

The YMCA portion of the $6.8 million, 19,925-square foot facilityfeatures an open, L-shaped area full of free weights and cardio equipment, exercise class rooms and locker rooms.

Across the atrium, the primary care practice is designed with a tiny waiting area with only three chairs. The goal is to run the office so efficiently the three seats will be enough.

Read the article.