University of Iowa Health Care seeking to build new primary care center in Iowa City

Hunter
12/05/22

University of Iowa Health Care is asking a developer to design and build a new primary care medical office building in Iowa City.

The Gazette reports that the goal of erecting a UIHC-operated location in the same town as its main  campus is to, quote, “increase access to primary medical care for the local community as well as train physicians in a setting most similar to other Iowa primary care offices.” The building will house exam rooms, diagnostic imaging, pathology lab, and other related spaces.

Officials at UIHC say the new facility, as well as the others either in development or due to be constructed, is necessary because of soaring patient demand and full capacity at its existing facilities.

The announcement drew opposition from other health care providers in the area. Michelle Niermann, UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids president and chief executive officer, said in an email to the Gazette that they have continued concerns with UIHC increasing its primary care presence in the area. She pointed out that UIHC said they had no intent to duplicate services already offered by existing area hospitals when they were seeking approval for its North Liberty hospital project.

Mercy Iowa City has previously argued that another development would not only increase competition for patients but for staff.

Officials at the UIHC say they’d like the new facility to be available for occupancy by the second half of 2024.