Business Spotlight: MDMC provides high-quality care; is economic engine for community

SIKESTON — In 1948 a small group of businessmen thought the area was in need of a hospital and in December of that year Missouri Delta Medical Center opened its doors.

Now, 71 years later, MDMC has a main hospital along with 24 primary care and specialty clinics throughout Southeast Missouri, including Portageville, New Madrid, Charleston, Dexter, Benton and Chaffee. MDMC currently has a workforce of over 730 full-time employees and a payroll exceeding $55 million.

“Every hospital job creates two additional jobs in our community,” said Jason Schrumpf, president and CEO of MDMC. “A hospital our size not only provides high-quality care, but is an economic engine for the communities we serve and an anchor for business development and expansion.”

Jason Schrumpf

Jason Schrumpf

Schrumpf said when companies look to locate their businesses to a community, a major consideration is access to quality health care. He added researchers have found a direct link between the availability of health care services and economic development.

“Patients and families who live outside Sikeston but seek care at our hospital creates medical tourism that helps stimulate economic activity in Sikeston,” Schrumpf said. “We treat patients from outside our community in specialities such as urology, neurospine, orthopedics, vascular and thoracic surgery, wound and hyperbarics. Other patients seek care at our Cancer and Infusion Center and Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.”

Schrumpf added that expansion of the Geriatric Behavorial Health Unit along with addition of a new 15 bed Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit in February of 2020 will help fill a void in behavioral health services needed statewide.

When bringing new physicians to Sikeston for interviews, Schrumpf said many are surprised about the number of different specialists that work at MDMC along with all the outreach clinics.

“We are very fortunate to have a comprehensive medical staff offering over 30 different service lines,” Schrumpf said.

Along with providing a comprehensive medical staff, MDMC also works with local employers through a Direct Network Insurance Plan. With the plan, local employers are provided discounted pricing for healthcare provided at MDMC. The network has grown in popularity over the last five years and has saved employers across Southeast Missouri millions of dollars.

Schrumpf, who was named president of MDMC in 2010 after serving in other leadership positions throughout the hospital, says he gets the most satisfaction making rounds on patients and employees each day.

“I really enjoy meeting patients from all over the region and connecting with a workforce who is instrumental in driving top performing quality and patient experience scores,” Schrumpf said. “I am passionate about improving the health and well-being to the communities we serve.

“As a hospital, we are charged with taking care of the sick. Our recent focus has been on preventative medicine and helping people manage their chronic conditions.”

MDMC broke ground in November on a state-of-the-art 15,000-square foot medical office building. The $3.65 million medical office building will include 18 exam rooms, a procedure room, retail pharmacy with a drive thru, x-ray, EKG and lab. The location of the new Missouri Delta Primary Care Clinic is located at 102 Hospitality Drive, one block east of S. Main Street on the corner of Brunt Boulevard and Hospitality Drive. The construction is expected to take 52 weeks and will accommodate over seven primary care physicians and advanced practice nurse practitioners.

The phone number to reach the main operator at MDMC is 573-471-1600, but Schrumpf said anyone is welcome to reach him directly in administration at 472-7600 for any questions, concerns or suggestions.

“We also have a patient liaison to help you find a medical provider that is right for you, whether primary or specialty care,” Schrumpf said. “You can reach the patient liaison at 472-7406.”

The MDMC website, www.missouridelta.com, is available for anyone to search medical providers, find a location, pay your bill or make a donation to the MDMC Foundation.