Business Expansion Award 2023
Business Expansion Award 2023
It all began back in 1948 when five passionate physicians came together to create Rapid City Medical Center. Their mission? To offer accessible walk-in clinic care and house calls to the community. Back then, hospitals were primarily focused on emergencies, so the center’s goal was to fill the gap by providing everyday medicine. Mission accomplished – Rapid City Medical Center has thrived in this space for over 75 years!
Today, Rapid City Medical Center has grown into something truly remarkable. With seven locations, a team of 47 skilled physicians, and 40 certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants, they serve over 200,000 people across five states. They’ve become the largest independent physician-led group practice in the Great Plains Region, encompassing Minnesota and Nebraska. While they fully support the local hospital, it’s their independent model that allows them to deliver the best possible care without any bureaucratic hurdles.
What sets Rapid City Medical Center apart is their unwavering commitment to their community. They’ve successfully attracted bright, young professionals back to their hometown in South Dakota, despite the “brain drain” phenomenon. These physicians could have chosen to stay at prestigious institutions where they’d previously worked, such as Harvard Medical, Walter Reed, or Mayo Clinic, but they came back to provide top-notch care to their loved ones and neighbors. The relationships they build with their patients extend far beyond the clinic walls, transcending into shared experiences at church, community boards, and even little league games.
Last night was a momentous occasion for Rapid City Medical Center. They attended the Business Awards Gala, where they were honored with the prestigious Business Expansion of the Year award. This accolade, presented by Elevate Rapid City, recognized the center’s outstanding growth and dedication to their vision. The entire team is incredibly grateful to Elevate Rapid City for this recognition and the support they’ve received throughout their journey.
Throughout their history, Rapid City Medical Center has never shied away from embracing innovation. By combining medical expertise with talented business professionals, they’ve achieved remarkable milestones. From introducing advanced technologies like 3D mammography and telemedicine (activated within a mere 48 hours during the pandemic) to spearheading cutting-edge procedures in endoscopy/colonoscopy and pain management, they’ve consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. Moreover, they’ve always prioritized affordable healthcare by offering services in office settings, bypassing the need for facility fees and saving money for both patients and employers with group health plans.
It’s not just about state-of-the-art facilities or cost savings, though. What truly sets Rapid City Medical Center apart is the quality of care they provide. Their physicians’ “Quality” scores rank among the highest in the nation, with Medicare even recognizing their exceptional patient outcomes. This recognition is a testament to the center’s unwavering commitment to excellence and their patients’ well-being.
Recently, Rapid City Medical Center faced a challenge due to limited space. But they’re never ones to back down from a challenge. With their dedication to fiscal responsibility and the desire to grow, they ventured into property development. Through the purchase and renovation of the former Premier Mortgage building on Rapid City’s Tower Road, they’ve gained an additional 25,000 square feet to expand their medical services. This move not only supports their growth but also allows them to streamline ancillary services, such as radiology and laboratory work, leading to even greater efficiencies and cost savings.
None of this would have been possible without the support of their regional banking partner and the local property development community. Their commitment and belief in Rapid City Medical Center’s independent physician business model have been instrumental. It is truly a community wide effort, led by Rapid City Medical Center’s physician owners and administrators, that have brought this expansion and growth.
