Dr. Michael Mills, Spine Surgeon; Dr. Sushruth Moku, Pain Management Physician; Hallie King, NP, Nurse Practitioner; Dr. Douglas Stofko, Neurosurgeon

Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center is expanding its specialty care footprint with the upcoming opening of Carolina Pines Medical Group Pain & Spine, a new facility in downtown Hartsville dedicated to comprehensive spine and pain management. Located at 206 Swift Creek Road, the center brings together a collaborative team of specialists committed to improving quality of life for patients living with acute or chronic pain - offering new hope, closer to home.

For years, patients throughout Hartsville and the Pee Dee region often traveled outside the area for advanced spine and pain care. The launch of this new center marks a major step forward in ensuring that the community has access to coordinated, high-level treatment backed by both specialty expertise and the latest medical advancements.

The Pain & Spine Center will unite a multidisciplinary team of providers who specialize in diagnosing and treating a full range of spine and pain conditions. The team includes:

• Dr. Michael Mills, Spine Surgeon
• Dr. Sushruth Moku, Pain Management Physician
• Hallie King, NP, Nurse Practitioner
• Dr. Douglas Stofko, Neurosurgeon

Together, the team offers integrated care that spans non-surgical therapies, interventional pain procedures, minimally invasive treatment options, and advanced spine surgery. By working collaboratively, they ensure patients receive streamlined, comprehensive care without the need for multiple referrals or distant travel.

“Our goal is to provide every patient with a clear path forward,” said Dr. Mills. “By bringing specialists together under one roof, we can diagnose, treat, and support patients throughout every step of their recovery.”

While the center will offer a full suite of non-surgical and interventional treatments, it will also serve as the home base for Carolina Pines’ expanding capabilities in spine surgery. This includes the use of the Globus ExcelsiusGPS® system, which enables precise navigation and planning during minimally invasive procedures. As the only facility in the Pee Dee region equipped with the advanced Globus ExcelsiusGPS® robotic system, Carolina Pines is leading the way in precision spine surgery.

“Having access to technology like this within our community is a significant advancement,” said Dr. Stofko. “It elevates the level of care we can provide while keeping patients close to their support systems.”

At the new Pain & Spine Center, every patient will begin with a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of their symptoms. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and may include physical therapy, targeted injections, image-guided procedures, minimally invasive surgery, or other surgical options when necessary.

“Pain impacts every part of a person’s life,” said Dr. Moku. “Our team is here to help patients regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and return to the activities they love.”

With the center’s integrated model of care, patients benefit from coordinated decision-making, faster access to specialists, and a more seamless experience overall.

The opening of Carolina Pines Medical Group Pain & Spine is part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to expanding local access to specialty care. By investing in advanced treatments and strengthening its network of specialists, Carolina Pines continues to bring high-quality care closer to the communities it serves.

“This center represents an important milestone for our region,” said Dr. Brian Sponseller, CEO of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center. “Patients no longer need to travel far for the expertise and treatment they deserve - we’re bringing it right here to Hartsville.”

The new facility will open soon, with additional details about scheduling and services to be shared in the coming weeks.