District keeps medical provider

Eastern Sierra Medical Group will continue to be the provider at the Lahontan Medical Clinic that serves the Silver Springs and Stagecoach areas.

The Silver Springs-Stagecoach Hospital District board will discuss a draft contract with the group on Thursday that will allow the firm to continue providing medical services at the clinic.

The board decided to continue using Eastern Sierra after a number of patients showed up at last week's meeting in support of their doctors.

"I like the way the doctor knows me and she knew my name and she knew what was wrong," said resident Darlene Novy-Zuelke. "When I come into this clinic, I feel comfortable."

Several residents praised the clinic and its staff for being attentive to their needs.

Bids were sought from other medical firms to provide medical, dental and urgent care services at the Lahontan Medical Clinic. Eastern Sierra and Northern Nevada Urgent Care were the only providers to respond. The board chose Eastern Sierra on a 3-1 vote.

"I am very pleased. I didn't know we had this much support," said Kathy Ostlie, manager of Eastern Sierra Medical Group. "We've been here 17 years and we're going to continue providing care to Silver Springs for a long time."

Board member Kay Bennett, who argued for a change to Northern Nevada Urgent Care, said she was glad the board had the opportunity to hear from other providers.

"We owed it to the people to avail ourselves of all options," she said. "I think it was very healthy and it gave the board a chance to look at alternatives."

Other board members and residents said Carson Tahoe Medical Center, owner of Northern Nevada Urgent Care, once operated in Silver Springs but closed its facility after a few years.

"They couldn't make a profit and they bailed," said Mike Lamgevin. "ESMG has been doing a good job in my eyes."

-- Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111 ext. 351.

If you go

WHAT: Silver Springs-Stagecoach Hospital District

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday

WHERE: 3595 Highway 50 West, Silver Springs

CALL: 577-2700