First Care Clinic, a federally qualified health center based in Hays, Kansas, has appointed Marie Haycook, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as its newest primary care provider. Haycook, who is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, will begin seeing patients at the clinic’s 22nd Street facility this July, focusing on chronic disease management and preventive care.
How Rural Healthcare Models are Evolving
The addition of specialized nursing staff like Haycook reflects a broader shift in rural healthcare toward advanced practice providers. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, nurse practitioners and physician assistants now fill critical gaps in regions where physician shortages persist. By utilizing providers with DNP degrees, clinics like First Care Clinic can offer advanced diagnostic and management capabilities that were historically limited to larger urban medical centers.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) like First Care Clinic are required to offer services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, often using a sliding fee scale to ensure financial accessibility for all community members.
Why Chronic Disease Management is a Priority
Managing long-term health conditions is the cornerstone of the new provider’s role at First Care Clinic. Medical Director Dr. Christine Fisher noted that Haycook’s background is specifically suited to addressing chronic illnesses, which remain a leading cause of health disparities in rural Kansas. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that rural populations face higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes compared to their urban counterparts, making proactive, local management essential to improving outcomes.
What Patients Can Expect from New Provider Services
Patients seeking care at the Hays location can expect a shift toward patient-centered, preventive-focused visits. CEO Eric Flax confirmed that Haycook’s practice style is designed for those looking to establish a long-term relationship with a primary provider. The clinic accepts all major insurance plans, and patients can request appointments via the First Care Clinic website or by phone at 785-621-4990.
When preparing for your first visit with a new provider, bring a list of current medications and a summary of your medical history to help expedite your intake process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does First Care Clinic accept patients without insurance?
- Yes. As a federally qualified health center, the clinic provides services to everyone regardless of their ability to pay and offers a sliding fee scale for qualifying patients.
- What services are available at First Care Clinic?
- The clinic provides family medicine, express care, pharmacy services, behavioral health, and family dentistry across its three Hays locations.
- How do I schedule an appointment with Marie Haycook?
- New and existing patients can schedule an appointment by calling 785-621-4990 or by visiting the official clinic website.
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