BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fifth consecutive year, American Family Care (AFC) has earned a spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500®, one of the world's most admired business rankings. This year AFC is ranked #133 on the distinguished list, surging from #291 last year, and up dramatically from its inaugural appearance on the list at #405 in 2013. Recognized by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500 ranking recognizes AFC for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power.

With nearly a half-billion in annual system-wide revenue, AFC's rapid growth has been driven by the nation's need for high-quality, accessible health care, as well as the company's focus on patient satisfaction. "We are delighted to again be included among some of the most respected franchisors in the U.S.," said D. Bruce Irwin, M.D., Founder and CEO of AFC. "Our success is the result of the dedication our employees and franchisees have to delivering compassionate, convenient health care for our patients around the corner and around the nation."

Similar to traditional hospital systems, the AFC franchise model combines skilled physicians with successful business people to deliver quality health care conveniently and in an economical manner. The model has been so successful that, from 2009 to the end of 2016, AFC will have grown to 106 franchise units, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 59.6 percent. "Our growth has been gratifying, and we believe it represents the fact that AFC's patient-centric model is at the forefront of a revolution in health care," says Scott Hoots, Vice President of Franchise Operations for AFC. "More telling than our growth is the number of multi-unit franchisees we now have within our system. The success they have enjoyed with their initial locations has surely been a driving factor in our success," concluded Hoots.

Joining AFC on the Franchise 500 Times list in the health care category were:
Massage Envy – #17
Miracle-Ear Inc. – #22
Pearle Vision – #24
GNC – #65
Relax The Back Corp. – #219

"We spend months gathering and crunching data in order to produce the Franchise 500 ranking. We're proud of the result and the way it continues to be a resource for the franchise community," says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur. "Like every industry, franchising is ever-evolving and must smartly react to new technologies and consumer demands. We know it takes a lot to stay competitive, and are excited to celebrate those that do it best."

About American Family Care:
Starting with a single location in 1982, American Family Care has pioneered the concept of non-emergency room urgent care. With its 2013 acquisition and subsequent rebranding of the Doctors Express franchise, AFC has become the nation's leading provider of urgent care, accessible primary care, and occupational medicine, with more than 170 clinics and 500 in-network physicians caring for 2 million patients a year. Ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S., AFC's stated mission is to provide the best healthcare possible, in a kind and caring environment, while respecting the rights of all patients, in an economical manner, at times and locations convenient to the patient. For more information, visit www.americanfamilycare.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nancy Bostrom nbostrom@919marketing.com 919-459-8163
Sue Yannello syannello@919marketing.com 919-459-8162

SOURCE American Family Care