KHS seeks approval to operate new Pine Bluffs Health Clinic

New health providers, expanded hours and new management are in the works for residents seeking medical care in Pine Bluffs and surrounding communities.

Pending approval from three state and federal agencies, the newly-renamed “Pine Bluffs Health Clinic” is set to open Jan. 2 under the management of Kimball Health Services.

KHS is developing an agreement with Cheyenne Regional Medical Center to lease the 4,500-square-foot facility at 117 E. Fourth St, currently known as the University of Wyoming Tri-County Medical Center.

Ken Hunter, CEO at Kimball Health Services, said the new Pine Bluffs Health Clinic will be open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, including over the noon hour. Dr. James Broomfield, medical director at KHS, will also serve in the same role at the new facility. Other medical staff will include Dr. Laouel Kader (pronounced Kuh-DARE), who joined KHS in October, and two mid-level providers, otherwise known as physician assistants or nurse practitioners.

The entire plan hinges on the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and in turn, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Wyoming Department of Health. Their approval would allow KHS to reach across the state line and operate the facility as a certified “rural health clinic,” Hunter said. RHCs are typically located in rural, medically under-served areas and have a more favorable Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement structure than standard medical offices.

“The importance of receiving certification as an RHC is vital to the success of the clinic,” Hunter said. “We have completed the three-part application process with CMS and both state health departments and are waiting to hear back.”

Since its opening in 2015, the $1.55 million, red-and-blonde-brick facility has been operated by the University of Wyoming Residency Program in partnership with Cheyenne Regional. Dr. Broomfield was a leader in the residency program and one of the initial clinic planners, Hunter said.

Hunter said the residency program is assisting with transitioning some of the current clinic employees to KHS management.

The clinic features four exam rooms, a laboratory, two nurses’ stations, a multipurpose room and radiology facilities. Upgrades to radiology and lab services are planned, Hunter said, and telepharmacy services will continue with Hoy’s Drug in Cheyenne.