University of Iowa Health Care to address health care access gap in Southeast Iowa City

Planning continues for primary care health facility in underserved area

Jan 18, 2023 - 12:00 p.m.

University of Iowa Health Care is addressing the health care access gap in Iowa City’s southeast neighborhood by planning more primary care services in this underserved area.

Although the southeast side of Iowa City is the most densely populated part of the city, it has the fewest primary care options, according to an analysis by UI Health Care. Many residents must travel outside of their immediate community to access care.

“In order to build strong neighborhoods and a healthy community, we need to make sure everyone has access to high-quality health care,” says Bruce Teague, Iowa City Mayor At-Large. “We are pleased the University of Iowa shares this commitment to increase health care access. By placing primary care services in this currently underserved neighborhood, we can have a positive impact on the health of our community for years to come.”

The university has begun the request for proposal (RFP) process to identify the developer and exact location to establish a new facility in southeast Iowa City. Project details are forthcoming, with completion anticipated by 2025.

In addition to serving patients’ primary care needs, the planned southeast Iowa City facility will enhance the university’s ability to train future physicians to help address the shortage of physicians across the state, as well as conduct medical research.

2025

Anticipated Completion Date

Improving health outcomes with local access

Studies have shown that limited access to primary care can increase people’s use of emergency departments or urgent care as their main source of health care. Not only does this increase health care costs and emergency care backlogs, but it also increases a person’s likelihood of developing chronic diseases.

“Having a relationship with a primary care doctor for regular, preventative care is shown to have better long-term health outcomes,” says Kim Hunter, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Nurse Executive at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. “By adding services in southeast Iowa City, we are increasing local access and reducing barriers for individuals seeking high-quality care.”

A vision for the future of health care in Iowa

The construction of a primary care health facility in southeast Iowa City is part of UI Health Care’s commitment to increase health care access for Iowans across the state while training the next generation of Iowa’s physicians. Nearly half of physicians trained at UI Health Care go on to practice in Iowa.

Once complete, the southeast Iowa City facility will house most of the primary care services currently located at the main campus of UI Hospitals & Clinics. Space planning across UI Health Care locations in future and existing facilities looks at reconfiguring and expanding health care services and academic space to serve patients and their families as well as faculty and staff as part of the university facility master plan.

As the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center, UI Hospitals & Clinics will continue to evaluate the best location for services to increase health care access for patients while fulfilling its patient care, teaching, and research mission.

"By adding services in southeast Iowa City, we are increasing local access and reducing barriers for individuals seeking high-quality care."

Kim Hunter, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC