(Iron River, Wisconsin) – NorthLakes Community Clinic (NLCC) is starting 2024 with three new locations in Bayfield and Douglas counties. In December, NLCC purchased the northern offices of Orthopedic & Spine Therapy (OST), allowing the federally qualified health center (FQHC) to provide increased access to Physical Therapy services. The clinics are located in Bayfield, Poplar, and Solon Springs. OST’s Iron River Clinic was also included in the sale, which had been operating out of NLCC’s current Iron River location.
“Our goal in acquiring these Clinics is to ensure that individuals, regardless of their income level, have access to high-quality Physical Therapy services throughout rural, northern Wisconsin,” said Reba Rice, CEO of NLCC. As an FQHC, NLCC accepts most commercial insurances and Medicaid. Patients will also have access to a Sliding Fee Scale, which can assist under-or-uninsured individuals who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
As part of the sale, all staff and providers were given the option to continue practicing and working, ensuring a continuity of care for patients familiar with these practices. “We’re grateful to the staff and providers for their commitment to continue practicing with us. Over the past decade, we’ve had an opportunity to interact with many of them and are excited they are now part of our team. The biggest change patients will see is having access to additional services and Patient Supports that are all part of our whole-person approach to health care,” Rice said.
In 2024, there will be some Clinic moves as well, to accommodate the additional services. The Bayfield Clinic will be moving to Washburn where NLCC currently has a clinic. Also, the Solon Springs location will be moving closer to Highway 53, with plans to open in Market Beautiful in February. Patients interested in establishing care or learning more about Physical Therapy services at NLCC should call (715) 364-7270 or visit https://nlccwi.org/care-and-services/physical-therapy/
