Bernie Family Clinic opens its doors

Business Today

BERNIE -- July 20 marked the official opening of Bernie Family Clinic on Hunts Road. Opened as a community/migrant center, the clinic is operated by Semo Health Network, whose central office is in New Madrid.

Jack Clingan, Semo Health Network administrator, said the group had been looking to locate in Bloomfield, but several things led to the decision to establish a clinic in Bernie.

"Dr. Garner's offices were available and in good condition, and we received tremendous support from the mayor and the city," said Clingan. "This is a very nice facility for us. We hope to build nice, basic primary care for the area.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to add a dental component. Our role is to provide for Medicaid patients the dental services other dentists don't take care of."

Miriam Brehmer is the family nurse practitioner who will staff the clinic Monday through Friday. According to Brehmer, no one will be turned away because of lack of insurance or ability to pay.

"Since we are federally-funded through the Semo Health Network, we can offer a sliding fee based on income. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted, and we'll help people meet their deductible on their insurance plans," said Brehmer.

She added that the clinic can also provide free prescription samples through pharmacy indigent-patient programs. The clinic is not affiliated with any hospital, so if referrals are needed they can be made "wherever the patient wants to go."

Brehmer said a dietitian will soon join the clinic and will be there once a month to meet with patients by appointment.

Two doctors also will be seeing patients at the clinic. Dr. Naveed Malik will be at the clinic on Tuesdays. Dr. Hameed Khaja will be providing services on Fridays. Both doctors are residents of Sikeston.