More hours and more practitioners have arrived at the local Jefferson City Medical Group clinic.
For the past year, the clinic has operated with a doctor one-half day a week and two nurse practitioners on alternating days.
Now, Family Nurse Practitioner Michelle Kelly is in the office five days a week and Dr. Nathan Granneman is in Tuesday and Thursday.
The clinic also has replaced its film radiology machine with digital, eliminating the currier wait time for a specialist at the Jefferson City main campus to review the X-rays, said Maggie Oberreither, director of clinical operations.
And, the clinic has changed its hours to 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
These improvements mean the clinic now accepts walk-in patients, can provide express care and they are open Fridays. Both providers can see patients of all ages.
"We're excited to branch out our services," Oberreither said.
Accessibility has been a priority in JCMG's approach, Emily Mantle, director of marketing and community relations, said.
"Our providers are available when people are sick and need to be seen," she said.
With the main campus only a half-hour away, most patients may receive same-day service, even in specialty areas, Mantle said.
Finding Granneman was the key to the clinic, Oberreither said.
"We wanted to find a doctor to fit the needs of both JCMG and California," she said.
Granneman, who grew up in Boonville and Milan, currently works part-time at the Marshall clinic, as well.
"I like the fit of the smaller community," he said. "The people here, I like a lot. I look forward to building up a practice here.
"It feels like a place you can set up shop and see people for the long term."
Another asset of the local clinic is the longevity of its other three employees.
"A lot of people say it's nice to have a familiar face," Clinic Coordinator Linda Baer said. "There's definitely an advantage to know people, going to church with them and seeing them around town."
The six-exam room building opened at 606 E. Buchanan St. in 2002 and became part of JCMG in 2008.
The clinic staff is involved with the community, like helping host the Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival 5K Run/Walk, in which Granneman ran this year. They also enter in parades, participates in health and career fairs, and awards scholarships.