No Red Tape
About Us
The name “Noreta” is a shortened form of No Red Tape. While health insurance can be very useful for large medical expenses, it increases the cost of caring for patients in traditional primary care practices. At Noreta Family Medicine, we can tell you exactly how much your in-office fees, medications, labs, and radiology studies will be before you have them done. Wholesale prescriptions, lab tests, and radiology studies will save you money, and perhaps even save you a trip to the ER. There will be no unexpected bills sent to you. We hope this allows you to budget for your general health costs. No red tape means less paperwork for you and our staff to fill out, which means we will shorten your waiting time, and can spend more time with you. This also means our staff will be smaller, creating a more personal experience for you at a lower cost than a traditional practice.
Meet Dr. Melissa Boylan
I am a native of Pittsburgh, PA, but have lived and practiced medicine in Columbia for over 15 years. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, I attended the Georgetown University School of Medicine, where I discovered my love of family medicine. I continued my southern migration by training at the Palmetto Health/USC Family Medicine Residency Program where I was co-chief resident in my final year. Board-certified since 2011, I enjoy teaching students and family medicine residents as well as leading Columbia’s first Walk with a Doc chapter! In 2019, I became a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
I established Noreta Family Medicine in July 2020 in Columbia, SC because I saw an opportunity to improve my patients’ primary care experience.
My patients were frustrated with phone trees, complicated billing systems, high costs, surprise bills, and long wait times. Noreta is here to remove these frustrations! I want you to understand how to get in touch with us, feel good about supporting a small local business, and know the cost of your care up front. I want to show you that the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model allows me to get to know you better, which I believe pays dividends for your health!
I chose family medicine because I enjoy caring for people of all ages. I enjoy the challenge and variety of this specialty. I love being able to focus on both prevention and treating chronic medical problems. Outside of medicine, I enjoy crafting, baking, cooking, and taking day trips with my husband.
5 Star Reviews!
L. Harris
I was highly impressed with the quality and professionalism. Dr. Melissa Boylan and her staff were very caring and personable. They don’t treat you like you’re just a number. They give you the attention you need. If you choose Noreta, you will not be disappointed!
Jane Bartone
Dr. Boylan is the only Dr that has ever actually listened to me. She does not double book patients and gives you her full attention for your appointment. I highly recommend her. She just called me back and I am not a current patient in 20 minutes after leaving a message. She truly is looking out for her patients best interest. Thank you!
Cynthia Giles
I am so happy we found Dr. Melissa Boylan and Noreta Family Medicine. As small business owners, providing quality health care benefits to our staff can be pricey but Dr. Boylan has a great solution and we couldn't be happier with her services. Affordable and very detailed health care. What else could you ask for? Thanks Dr. Boylan!!
Elaine Morgan
Having the exclusive attention of Dr. Boylan is just what I need! She makes you feel like you are her only patient, she is punctual and respectful of your time, and she is very organized and thorough. Highly recommend!
Catherine Smithdeal
Dr. Boylan is a wonderful and thorough doctor. She does everything herself which cuts so many costs and her membership plan makes so much sense to help avoid insurance and big government control. I am now a big fan of direct primary care and will continue to support her business.
Mike Page
Healthgrades
Dr. Boylan is amazing! She is thorough and kind. Always available even after hours and weekends to check in. So glad my daughters and wife found someone they can trust.
Forrest Nettles
Dr. Boylan exceeded my expectations from the first time she called me. Her comprehensive approach, calm demeanor, clear policies and communication have helped me finally feel at peace with a family doctor. I haven’t even tapped into all of the many services offered at Noreta, but I am so grateful to build a relationship with a doctor that understands both the fiscal and physical problems of this era.
Jane Bartone
Dr. Boylan spends time with the patient and her prices are amazing.
P. Cobb
Healthgrades
I have been a patient of Dr. Boylan's for more than five years, and she is a great physician. She is very responsive, a great listener, and I feel very confident in trusting my healthcare to her.
Mildred Fields
Healthgrades
Dr. Boylan is very professional. She handles everything with care. She explains everything throughly for you to understand. She is patient and really listens to what you need. If anyone is in need of a doctor I highly recommend Dr. Boylan
Mike Braddock
Healthgrades
Dr. Melissa Boylan is an excellent primary care physician. She listens and is thorough and timely in addressing issues and concerns. As my primary care physician for more than eight years, she has earned and affirmed my confidence, trust, and respect for her as our family's doctor.
Debby Best
I am most impressed with Dr. Boylan. She is very intelligent, thorough, responsive, and helpful. I highly recommend her.
In The News
- 3/2026 – Women leaders making waves in Columbia
- 11/2024 – “Healthy Eating with Dr. Melissa Boylan” on Small Business Saturday Radio with Tzima Brown
- 9/2024 – Four-year anniversary interview in South Carolina Voyager magazine.
- 11/2022 – Article introducing Walk with a Doc to the Columbia Community
- 10/2022 – Dr. Boylan was featured in CanvasRebel magazine
- 7/2022 – Dr. Boylan was interviewed on the “Voices of Women Physicians” podcast
- 1/2022 – South Carolina Voyager Magazine Features Dr. Boylan and Noreta Family Medicine
- 7/2021 – Noreta’s One Year Anniversary Press Release in MidlandsBiz
- 7/2021 – Dr. Boylan explains how Noreta Family Medicine and Direct Primary Care work on SC Public Radio’s South Carolina Business Review
- 5/2021 – Dr. Boylan’s segment on DPC News’ “DPC in 3” segment
- 4/2021 – Op-Ed “Direct Primary Care is a Solution to the Primary Care Physician Shortage by Melissa Boylan, MD”
- 12/2020 – Article in the Columbia Star about rethinking how primary care is delivered