GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — On Wednesday, a representative from Michigan Pain Consultants confirmed over the phone that MPC will be closing over the next 90 days.
The representative told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that their locations in Muskegon, Wyoming, and Big Rapids will be closing on Friday, while the Grand Rapids, Holland, and Greenville locations will close in August.
The MPC representative also confirmed that patients can call 616-317-3877 or email clinicaloperations@michiganpain.com to request records and have them transferred to other providers.
In a message sent to Caroline Kozah, a patient of MPC, the group says they are closing their doors due to "rising costs and changes in the healthcare market." The message also told Kozah that her appointment would focus on transitioning her care, and make arrangements with her primary care doctor or with another pain program.
It also states that planned procedures are discontinued.
"I was shocked. I read it once, I didn't understand it, I read it again," said Kozah who received the message on Monday, a day before she was set to travel from Florida for her treatment.
Choosing to now find a pain clinic in Florida, Kozah says she is worried about the many patients who receive regular treatment from MPC.
"I feel terrible for these people who need the treatment, and now don't or cannot get it," said Kozah. "Most of the appointments that you make are about three months out."
Kozah adding that people may need to wait longer to receive treatments due to the process of changing providers, along with saying that she and others are losing access to doctors they have enjoyed and trusted.
"I feel bad because he was one of the best doctors I have ever been to, and I've been to three, and he was the only one that had just listened, and had some compassion," said Kozah.
13 On Your Side reached out to other healthcare providers on how the closure may impact their patients, as Corewell Health stated: "We are aware of the situation and are working with community partners to assess the needs of our community and accommodate their potential needs."
On Thursday, June 13, MPC posted the following on their Facebook page:
We are saddened to tell you that after 40 years caring for our patients, MPC will be officially closing its doors over the next 90 days. We are simply unable to sustain the rising costs or keep up with the changes rapidly happening in the healthcare market. Our team at MPC is committed to ensuring a smooth and safe transition for all our patients during this difficult time. We will work closely with you and your healthcare providers to provide the best possible care and support as we close our doors. The transition process will involve a thorough evaluation of your current healthcare needs and making the necessary arrangements for you to receive continued care with your primary care physician or another pain program. If you are actively being prescribed medications from our team and you are not already scheduled for an appointment before August 30th, call (800) 281-3237 to ensure that we see you to help develop an appropriate plan of care to suit your individual needs. If you simply need a referral to another pain practice, we recommend starting with your primary care physician or calling the number on your insurance card for an appropriate referral.
