For the City Times

WAUSAU – Aspirus is temporarily closing some of its primary care clinics in central and northern Wisconsin.

“Aspirus is temporarily closing some primary care clinics in order to support the needs for additional staffing and resources at its hospitals in the event of a surge in COVID-19 patients,” the company said in a release.

Aspirus clinics in the following locations will be closed or begin the process of closing “until further notice”: Adams, Athens, Birnamwood, Edgar, Gilman, Hurley, Marathon, Nekoosa, Prentice, Rib Lake, Rome, Three Lakes, and Wittenberg.

“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.”

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.

“Patients will continue to have access to primary and specialty care services at Aspirus’ remaining clinics throughout north central Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Aspirus will work with patients to utilize technology whenever possible to offer visits via telephone or video conferencing. If patients need to be seen in person, they will be directed to an appropriate location based on their needs during the appointment process,” the release added.

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.