The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) and Coffeyville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) are pleased to announce an expanded partnership to improve access to healthcare in Independence, Kansas.
CRMC and CHC/SEK have been community healthcare partners for many years, working together to help ensure patients throughout Southeast Kansas have access to the care they need. That relationship includes an established referral program through which CHC/SEK patients are connected with CRMC physicians and specialty services when additional care is needed.
As the two organizations continue to build on this collaboration, CRMC will relocate specialty services currently provided in Independence to CHC/SEK’s new clinic at 800 West Laurel Street in Independence. Beginning October 1, 2026, CRMC Cardiology services will be provided weekly by Amber Lopez, APRN. Beginning in November, Michelle McGuirk, MD, General Surgeon, will begin seeing patients monthly at the location. CRMC also plans to add obstetrics with Garrett Koehn, MD, with additional specialty services to follow.
“Coffeyville Regional Medical Center is committed to ensuring the people of Independence don’t have to travel to access the specialty care they need. This partnership allows us to bring our specialists directly into a facility that has been trusted in this community, and we’re planning for a seamless transition so patients feel supported every step of the way,” said Brian Lawrence, CRMC Chief Executive Officer.
The partnership brings primary and specialty care together under one roof. CHC/SEK currently offers family medicine at this clinic, with walk-in care and pharmacy services planned in the coming months. By building on the strengths of both organizations, the collaboration provides patients with greater access to a broader range of healthcare services in one convenient location.
“CRMC and CHC/SEK share a commitment to keeping care close to home for the people of Independence. Bringing primary and specialty services together in one location means patients spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the care they need,” said Jason Wesco, CHC/SEK President and Chief Strategy Officer.
CHC/SEK’s new Independence location opened August 10, 2026, in a building generously donated by Ascension.
“This opportunity exists because Ascension chose to invest in the future of healthcare in Independence, and CRMC is doing the same. When three healthcare organizations choose to work together, this is what’s possible: a healthcare hub Independence can count on,” said Wesco.
For more information about CHC/SEK primary care services, call 620-577-2131. For more information about CRMC specialty services, call 620-252-1639.