Medical professionals merge clinics

Two Spokane Valley medical clinics have merged.

Greenacres Health Care Center, founded 18 years ago by Christine Muth, advanced registered nurse practitioner, has joined with North Pines Family Medicine as part of a plan to expand and diversify services. The combined practice will operate as North Pines Family Medicine.

“I’m so pleased to welcome Christine,” said Julie Koep, who operates the North Pines office and also is an advanced registered nurse practitioner. “In regards to our profession, she’s a historical icon.”

Muth, 53, was the first nurse practitioner in the Spokane area to open an independent medical clinic. The Greenacres Health Care Center, which closed this month as part of the merger deal, was the first primary medical care office in eastern Spokane Valley when it opened.

Nurse practitioners are highly trained medical professionals who possess many of the same skills as family practice physicians, including prescriptive authority. They traditionally have been used to help increase medical services to rural and underserved populations, but also are seen by many as an effective way to increase the availability of affordable health care within any community.

Muth is considered a pioneer in the efforts to bring greater independence and recognition to the role of nurse practitioners in Washington state.

Both see merging Muth’s clinic with Koep’s practice as an opportunity to expand. They’ll be able to see each other’s patients, if necessary, and share expenses – and take vacations knowing their patients are well covered.

Muth specializes in adolescent and adult health care. She’s also gained advanced skills in providing integrative medicine to patients with a concentration on health promotion and nonprescriptive management of chronic pain conditions.

Koep specializes in primary care for all ages and said she brings to her practice a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental and spiritual wellness.

The merger became official earlier this month when patient files and employees moved the North Pines office. An open house is scheduled for Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m.