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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Franciscan St. Francis Health plans new medical office in downtown Columbus


COLUMBUS, Ind. – Franciscan St. Francis Health hopes to formally join the community of Columbus by building a physician office facility later this year.

“As our health system expands its role and responsibilities through the new model of health care into Accountable Care Organizations and population health management, it is fundamentally sound, efficient and expected that we provide expert resources in convenient locations for the many populations we serve,” said Robert J. Brody, Franciscan St. Francis president and chief executive officer.  “The new medical office facility would be a logical extension of that care, and we are heartened by the many positive comments regarding our consideration of placement of services in the area.”
Plans call for the renovation of a property at 123 2nd St. on the city’s west side. The refurbished facility would house two Franciscan St. Francis physicians, five medical assistants and an office manager. The complex later could be expanded for use by another physician, an imaging technician and other medical assistants.

There are a number of factors that will influence the project’s path, including a consideration of tax abatement by the community. The first hearing on such abatement has been postponed for more evaluation.

Franciscan St. Francis Health has welcomed and treated patients from the Columbus area for decades, especially in specialties such as heart and cancer care. As it is the regional tertiary center in the south-central Indiana, the hospital will provide that care long into the future for those who choose its services and physicians.

The location also would provide closer and more convenient access for Columbus-area patients who frequently are treated at Franciscan St. Francis-Indianapolis at 8111 S. Emerson Ave.

Construction could get under way as early as spring 2013 with completion expected in late fall.