After taking over Colfax Medical Associates almost four years ago, Lisa Sytsma is closing the Colfax Medical and Wellness clinic. Citing difficulties with insurance payments and the COVID-19 pandemic for the closure, Sytsma said it was a very difficult decision to no longer provide services.
“A lot went into our decision for closure, we had a very rough start with credentialing with the MCO’s with Medicaid, we fought extremely hard for payment and ultimately won this battle. But overall insurance does not pay well which can make it very difficult to meet the clinic overhead,” Sytsma said. “During a year of COVID-19 we felt this pinch even more so.”
She has also found over the years her stress level has continually grown and the business has increasingly taken her away from her family. At this time, she has decided to put her focus back on her children.
The clinic provided sick visits, chronic case management, well-child checks and botox/filler injectables to the community. Three people were employed by Colfax Medical and Wellness.
“At this time the public may request their records from the office for the next 30 days and we will get them transferred in a timely manner,” Sytsma said. “After our close day on July 30, I will continue to have a fax number that will be posted to our website. At that time they will need to sign a record transfer request with their new provider and have them fax it to that line and I will ensure they are transferred.”
Sytsma teased there are exciting plans for the building that will be released in the near future. She did say, at this time there will not be a medical provider.
“Working with the community in Colfax has been nothing short of amazing. While there has been a fair share of struggle, my patients are the ones who have kept me going. I have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I have developed over the years,” Sytsma said. “Thank you all for your support over the years, I have truly enjoyed care for each of you.”
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com