Aspirus closes clinics to support COVID-19 efforts

WAUSAU, Wis. — Aspirus is temporarily closing some primary care clinics, including Hurley and Bruce Crossing in order to provide staffing and resources at hospitals in the event of a COVID-19 surge.

Patients will be contacted by their doctor’s office if these closures impact existing appointments. Anyone in need of an appointment can continue to call their local Aspirus clinic and be directed to the appropriate options for care.

Patients will continue to have access to primary and specialty care services at Aspirus clinics throughout north central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.

“The decision to close locations, even on a temporary basis, is not an easy one, but it is necessary in order to continue providing access to primary and specialty care in the safest way possible for our staff and patients,” said Matt Brewer, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer of Aspirus Medical Group. “Closing these locations allows us to use staff and resources where they are needed most and ensure our hospitals are staffed appropriately to care for our communities during a possible surge in COVID-19 activity.”

Aspirus clinics in Wisconsin will close in Adams, Athens, Birnamwood, Edgar, Gilman, Hurley, Marathon, Nekoosa, Prentice, Rib Lake, Rome, Three Lakes and Wittenberg. Aspirus clinics in Michigan will close in Bruce Crossing, Crystal Falls and Lake Linden.

Some physicians, advanced practice clinicians, nurses and other staff from these locations will be re-deployed to other Aspirus clinic locations. Others will support needs at the various Aspirus hospitals throughout the region.

Aspirus will utilize telemedicine via phone or video conferencing when it is possible.

If patients need to be seen in person, they will be directed to an appropriate location based on their needs during the appointment process.

Aspirus is a nonprofit, community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. Its 8,700 employees are focused on improving the health and well-being of people throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

For more information, visit aspirus.org.

—Daily Globe staff