Colorectal Cancer Awareness

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Patricia FowlerBy Patricia Fowler, DNP

In the United States, colorectal cancer continues to be a significant health concern as the fourth most common cancer occurring in both men and women. Every year, approximately 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than a third of those will die from it (Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 2025). Recommendations for screening used to be aimed toward individuals older than 50, but the age threshold has changed due to an alarming increase in diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the younger population.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular screening for all patients 45 to 75 years old. After 75 years old, screening recommendations depend on the decision between patient and provider (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).

Why Screen?

Timely screening is crucial in facilitating earlier detection and treatment and dramatically increasing survival rates. When caught early, colorectal cancer is considered treatable, giving patients a long outlook on life. The survival rate rises to greater than 90% when caught in the initial stages. Regardless, at least a third of adults are not up to date with their colorectal cancer screenings as recommended (Colorectal Cancer Alliance, 2025).

Screening does not always have to mean the dreaded colonoscopy. While a colonoscopy is a beneficial way to look thoroughly at the inside of the colon and take tissue samples as needed, other screening options are available. A newer, commonly used screening test is the Cologuard test, which can be done in the comfort of your own bathroom and shipped to the lab. Other screening tests include flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal immunochemical testing, fecal occult blood testing and CT colonography. There is no “one size fits all” screening test, and certain factors may make one type of screening more accurate than another.

Colorectal Cancer AwarenessAt Health Partnership Clinic, we are trying to make catching colorectal cancer easier with increased use of the Cologuard test to meet screening goals for patients. Over the past 12 months, colorectal cancer screening rates have increased by 10%. Since starting the initiative to increase colorectal cancer screening in June 2024, screening has increased more than 30%. This success is attributed to increased use of the Cologuard test in patients who meet the requirements, increased awareness among providers and implementation of standing orders, as well as working closely with the Exact Sciences company for continuous follow-up with patients who do not complete the screening initially.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Screening for colorectal cancer.
 https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html

Colorectal Cancer Alliance. (2025).
https://colorectalcancer.org/basics/facts-and-statistics

This November, Put Your Health First: Diabetes Prevention

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Whitney VenegoniBy Whitney Venegoni, APRN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner

November is National Diabetes Month, recognizing a disease that affects millions of Americans. Diabetes is a chronic condition that can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, blindness and amputations — but most cases can be prevented.

Insulin

In diabetes, the body does not respond normally to a hormone called insulin. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels and allows cells to absorb sugar for energy. High levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage throughout the body, putting people with uncontrolled diabetes at risk for serious complications.

Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, age 45 or older, having a parent or sibling with diabetes, being physically active fewer than three times per week, having a history of diabetes during pregnancy, or being African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native.

In the early stages, many people with diabetes have no symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger, blurry vision, slow-healing wounds, unintentional weight loss, and numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet.

This November, Put Your Health First: Diabetes PreventionPeople at risk of developing diabetes can have lab work done to screen for the disease. These tests include checking blood sugar or hemoglobin A1C levels. Blood sugar provides a snapshot of glucose levels, while hemoglobin A1C offers an average of blood sugar levels over the past three months. When hemoglobin A1C is slightly above normal, it’s called prediabetes. A diagnosis of prediabetes does not mean you will develop Type 2 diabetes, but it does mean you are at higher risk in the future.

Lowering the Risk of Developing Diabetes

There are many ways to lower your risk of developing diabetes and prediabetes. Start with small, sustainable healthy habits. Eat healthier foods first during your meal — for example, eat vegetables and proteins before foods that are higher in carbohydrates. Include more foods with protein, fiber and color, and limit foods with added sugars such as juice, soda and sweets. Drink plenty of water.

Exercise also helps the body respond better to insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. The recommended amount of physical activity is 150 minutes per week. If you are not currently exercising, choose an activity you enjoy such as walking, dancing or swimming. Start with 10 minutes a few times per week — dance for a few minutes before your morning shower or take a short walk during your lunch break. Small changes add up quickly.

If you think you may have diabetes or are at risk, contact your health care provider. To make an appointment at Health Partnership Clinic, call 913-648-2266.

For more information, visit the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

Protecting Our Future: The Lifesaving Power of Vaccines During National Immunization Awareness Month

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Emily BushBy Emily Bush, MD, Pediatrician

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance first recognized in 2013 to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Health Partnership Clinic remains committed to keeping patients healthy by helping them stay up to date on recommended vaccines based on age, occupation, or other factors, such as underlying health conditions.

This is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage individuals to speak with their health care providers about staying current on their immunizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines immunization as the process of gaining protection against disease. While the terms “immunization” and “vaccination” are often used interchangeably, they are slightly different: vaccines are the tools used for immunization, designed to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Most vaccines are given by injection, but some—like the oral rotavirus vaccine, given to infants at two and four months of age—are administered differently.

The Lifesaving Power of Vaccines During National Immunization Awareness MonthVaccines protect us from many dangerous, preventable diseases, including varicella (chickenpox), influenza (flu), hepatitis, measles, mumps, meningococcal disease, pneumonia, shingles, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and more. Immunization not only helps protect individuals and their loved ones from getting sick, but it also helps prevent the spread of disease to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants or individuals with compromised immune systems.

Vaccines have significantly reduced, and in some cases eradicated, serious illnesses that once caused widespread disability and death. Polio, for example, crippled thousands—including President Franklin D. Roosevelt—before the vaccine was introduced in 1955. The widespread use of the polio vaccine led to the elimination of the disease in the United States by 1979.

August is also back-to-school season, which often brings reminders about vaccine requirements for children entering certain grades. While it’s important to stay on top of these requirements, there are also other recommended vaccines that are just as vital for protecting against disease. One example is the HPV vaccine—a safe and highly effective way to prevent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus, which can cause various cancers and genital warts.

The Lifesaving Power of Vaccines During National Immunization Awareness MonthMany people think of vaccines as something for children, but adults also need to stay up to date. Routine adult immunizations may include the Tdap booster—recommended every 10 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The Tdap is also advised during each pregnancy to help protect newborns from these infections. Adults over age 50 should receive two doses of the shingles vaccine, and those 65 and older should receive the pneumonia vaccine. The CDC also recommends that nearly everyone age 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, typically administered in the fall before flu season begins, for the best protection.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. This August, take a moment to review your immunization history and give us a call at 913-648-2266 to schedule an appointment or attend our Pediatric Walk-In Clinic Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 407 S. Clairborne Rd., Ste. 104, Olathe, KS 66062.

 

Don’t forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.

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Patricia FowlerBy Patricia Fowler, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner at Health Partnership Clinic

Health Partnership Clinic is ready to help with Back-to-School and Sports Physicals!

With summer upon us, it is a great time to begin preparing for the next school year to start! One consideration all of us parents should have for the summer schedule is when we can get our kids into the doctor’s office for next year’s school physical. While it may seem redundant to have to go back for another physical year after year, it is an important part of managing your children’s health and setting them up for success each school year.

School Physicals Key to Learning and Success

School physicals might feel like another thing on your to-do list, but really, it’s an important piece to the puzzle of each school year. Children seem to grow in the blink of an eye, and their needs are constantly changing. At the annual appointment, the provider seeing your child will have a chance to obtain updated measurements, screen for vision and hearing changes, and get an overall picture of where your child is developmentally. All pieced together, these factors contribute greatly to the success each child will have throughout the school year!

As a parent or guardian, it also gives you the chance to ask pertinent questions about what to expect over the next year of your child’s development. It opens doors to conversations that are crucial to understanding what to expect next for each individual child. These conversations and the overall physical exam will best determine what needs, if any, your child might have as they enter the next school year.

Sports Physicals Key for School-Aged Athletes

Don’t’ forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.A sports physical is a separate type of visit, although depending on when it is needed, your provider may complete it along with the school physical. To participate in sports at a certain level in the state of Kansas, a child must have completed a comprehensive evaluation for full participation. The sports physical takes an in-depth look at the patient’s history as well as the family history. Many problems and health conditions can be caught during these evaluations that can help reduce morbidity and mortality through organized activities. When left unaddressed, your child is at a greater risk of major health problems and concerns related to participation in strenuous activity. Not only is it necessary to have this done for the school, but it is also imperative this full assessment of a child is done for their own safety.

Healthcare Close to Home and Affordable

At Health Partnership Clinic, there are a variety of providers available to see patients for their annual school physicals and sports physicals, as well as all ailments that come up in between. A variety of practitioners are in place with multiple different focuses within our four locations that can see not only your child but the rest of the family as well.

At the Paola clinic, we strive to provide a welcoming environment and maintain a community feel while also respecting the individual care that you and your family need. To schedule an appointment, call 913-294-9223 and speak with one of our patient representatives. Same day appointments are available in each of our clinics. For our other clinics, call 913-648-2266 for an appointment.

Did you know? Health Partnership will be offering physicals and dental screenings at several locations during the summer. Check out the flier!

Don’t wait–get a head start on the 2025-2026 school year so you can make sure your child goes into the next grade well prepared for another successful year of learning!

Don’t’ forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.

Why Men’s Health Month Matters – And What You Can Do About It

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Why Men’s Health Month Matters – And What You Can Do About ItJune is Men’s Health Month—a time to raise awareness about preventable health issues affecting men and boys and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases. While it might not get the same attention as other awareness months, its importance cannot be overstated.

The Silent Crisis in Men’s Health

Men face unique health challenges, and the statistics are sobering:

  • Men die five years earlier than women, on average.
  • Heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries are the top causes of death.
  • Men are less likely than women to visit a doctor regularly or discuss mental health concerns.

Men’s Health Month is about changing that narrative—encouraging men to take charge of their health and wellness.

Focus Areas for Men’s Health

Here are key areas to spotlight during Men’s Health Month:

1. Routine Screenings
Many of the most serious health issues—like high blood pressure, cholesterol and certain cancers—can be caught early through simple checkups. Regular screenings save lives.

At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we provide the following services for men’s health: blood pressure checks, education on chronic conditions and medications, lab tests to check for high cholesterol and diabetes, cancer screening (colorectal and prostate), vaccines, mental health services and referrals to specialists when needed.

2. Mental Health
It’s time to break the stigma. Depression, anxiety and stress don’t discriminate by gender, and men often suffer in silence. Talking about it—and seeking help—is a sign of strength.

3. Healthy Habits
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and limiting alcohol or tobacco use are foundational. Small changes can lead to big results over time.

4. Connection
Strong relationships—whether with family, friends, or support groups—are vital. Social isolation is linked to a number of health risks. Reach out and stay connected.

What You Can Do

Whether you’re a man looking to improve your health, a family member, or a health advocate, here are a few ways to take action:

  • Schedule a check-up. If it’s been a while, call your doctor. At HPC we offer primary care in Johnson, Franklin and Miami counties. To schedule an appointment, please call 913-648-2266.
  • Start a conversation. Encourage the men in your life to talk openly about their health.
  • Share resources. Use your social media to spread awareness.
  • Participate in activities. Join community events, runs, or fundraisers focused on men’s health.

Men’s Health Month isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a reminder that health is wealth, and it’s time to invest in it.

To schedule an appointment to see one of our providers, please call 913-648-2266.

Turning Awareness into Action: Moving the Needle on Patient Safety

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Hannah CarlisleBy Hannah Carlisle, RN and Clinic Director/Risk Compliance Officer with Health Partnership Clinic

The theme for this year’s Patient Safety Awareness Week is “Moving the Needle”. What does that mean you ask? Well, to put it simply, it means that we are more than just aware of areas that could be improved, we are taking action in these areas to improve patient safety and the quality of care received.

Active Listening

At Health Partnership Clinic, an area we are very focused on is active listening. Active listening gives someone your full attention, listening to their words and tone and responding in a way that shows you understand what they have shared. It engages the patient and their family or caregiver in the care they are receiving from their provider and provider’s team, and it builds a trusting relationship.

The team starts with the person answering the phone to schedule the patient. If we do not allow the patient time to clearly state their needs, we will not be able to provide the care required for proper treatment. The team also includes the clinic support staff, medical assistants and nurses. When a patient gets back to the exam room, they want to be sure all their questions are fully answered. The clinic staff set the tone for the visit by listening to why they are there and any recent circumstances that could be currently affecting their health. At that time, the staff are able to give the patient expectations of what can realistically be accomplished in the visit but also reassure the patient that anything that may not be able to be discussed today can be discussed at another visit.

Once the provider goes in, they have a little background as to what is going on with the patient but will provide conversation to engage the patient in forming a partnership to manage the health needs as a team. This allows the patient and anyone with them to feel comfortable asking questions which leads to improved outcomes as needs are identified and education shared.

Turning Awareness into Action: Moving the Needle on Patient Safety

The HPC Nurse Line

Active listening is one of the reasons Health Partnership has implemented a nurse line. Many of our patients and community partners have voiced frustration with calling to reach a provider. I know I can get frustrated when I sit on hold and still do not get my questions answered. We also listened to our staff who were managing all of the phone calls as well as many other tasks that required close attention. I have sat at the front desk a few times, and it is not an easy job! It is our goal that by implementing a nurse line, patients will have easier access to their medical team, be able to voice concerns clearly with the message going directly to the medical team, and that it will give each member of our team time to actively listen to every patient that calls or comes through our doors.

While active listening is only a piece of the many things we are doing here at Health Partnership, it is truly something that will help us move the needle in more than just a nurse line. Active listening is something that will help us find other areas to improve on to ensure we are providing patient care safely and cultivating a culture of safety within our team. So even though you had to read this, thanks for listening.

How Habits Prevent Heart Disease

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How Habits Prevent Heart DiseaseFebruary is American Heart Month, dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging preventive action. As one of the leading causes of death for both men and women, heart disease significantly impacts individuals and society, with high costs tied to healthcare services, medications, and lost productivity. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of heart disease by making small changes to daily habits.

Heart disease risk factors include various health conditions, lifestyle habits, age, and family history. While factors like age and family history are beyond your control, you can reduce your risk by focusing on the ones you can manage. This includes making healthier lifestyle choices and effectively managing existing health conditions.

Enhancing heart health begins with daily habits like eating a nutritious diet, staying active, managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, and inspiring loved ones to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Consider adopting a few of these practices to help prevent and manage heart disease.

Eat Healthy

  • Focus on incorporating in your diet a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources.
    • Substitute wild rice, barley, brown rice, or quinoa for white rice or pasta.
    • Add oats to smoothies, veggie burgers, or meatballs.
  • Choose healthy protein options like legumes and nuts, fish and seafood, low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean, unprocessed meat and poultry (if consumed).
    • Snack on crunchy unsalted nuts and seeds, cut-up veggies, fruits that hit the sweet spot, and easy homemade popcorn.

Move

  • Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination of both each week.

Relax

  • Practice meditation, prayer, or deep breathing.
  • Spend time outside.
  • Listen to music.
  • Connect with others by spending time with friends and family, or volunteering in your community.

Sleep

  • Make your bedroom cool and dark.
  • Limit screen time on phones, tablets, and computers 2 hours before bed
  • Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol a few hours before bed.
  • Stick to a regular sleep schedule, with the same sleep and wake times even on the weekends.

Know Your Numbers

  • Talk to your provider about regular screenings to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar based on your family and personal history and individual risk factors.
  • Make sure to take your medicines as prescribed.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Reducing weight by just 3-5% can help lower heart disease risks.

Adopting just one of these habits daily can dramatically increase heart health.

November is National Diabetes Month

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Whitney VenegoniBy Whitney Venegoni, APRN, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner

According to the CDC, 38 million Americans have diabetes, and most cases can be prevented.

In diabetes, your body does not respond normally to a hormone called insulin. Our bodies use insulin to control our blood sugars and allow our cells to take blood sugar into them to use for energy. High levels of sugar in the blood can cause damage to the body, which puts patients with uncontrolled diabetes at risk for heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage and slow wound healing which can lead to amputations.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include overweight, age 45 or older, having a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes, being physically active less than three times per week, a history of diabetes during pregnancy, or if you are African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native.

Common Symptoms

November is National Diabetes MonthSome common symptoms of diabetes include urinating often, feeling very thirsty or hungry, feeling very tired, blurry vision, slowly healing wounds, unintentional weight loss, numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet.

Early on or before developing diabetes, you might not have any symptoms at all. We can test for diabetes if you are at risk by checking your blood sugar or a hemoglobin A1c. A hemoglobin a1c tells us an average of your blood sugars over the last three months. When this level is a little above normal, it is called prediabetes.

Being diagnosed with prediabetes does not mean you will develop type 2 diabetes, but it does mean you are more at risk for developing it in the future.

Preventing Diabetes

One of the best ways to prevent diabetes and prediabetes is to focus on small, sustainable healthy habits.

Eat healthier foods first during your meal. For example, eat your vegetables and proteins first, followed by the foods that are more carbohydrate dense. Try to include more foods with protein, fiber and color and minimize foods with added sugars like juice, soda and sweets. Ensure you drink plenty of water.

Exercise can help your body listen to insulin and regulate your blood sugars better. The recommended amount of physical activity is 150 minutes per week. If you are not exercising, choose an activity you enjoy like walking, dancing, or swimming. Start with 10 minutes a few times per week. You can dance for a few minutes before your morning shower or take a quick walk during your lunch break. Small changes add up quickly!

For patients experiencing symptoms, treatment is so important. If you think you might be suffering from diabetes or if you think you might be at risk, contact your healthcare provider to discuss.

You can make an appointment at Health Partnership Clinic by calling 913-648-2266.

For additional information, visit the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

Avoiding Influenza

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By Kelly Kreisler, MD, MPH, FAAP, Chief Health Officer and Pediatrician

Avoiding InfluenzaWith fall right around the corner and more time in close quarters on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about how to protect ourselves from influenza. There are many ways to keep your immune system strong and healthy and prevent illness, such as getting enough sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods, managing stress and consistent exercise. Frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand rub is another good way to prevent illness in yourself and others. Covering your cough with your elbow or a tissue instead of your hand can also help avoid spreading all kinds of germs to others.

Flu Vaccines

Experts agree the best way to prevent getting sick with influenza is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. It’s important to get the vaccine every year to help update your body’s immune system. Your body’s immune system needs updated just like your computer’s software needs updated to prevent new viruses from wreaking havoc. The flu changes every year, so the vaccine also changes yearly to keep your body prepared.

The flu causes millions of Americans to get sick enough to see a doctor every year.  Complications like pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes are common. Over 100,000 people are hospitalized with the flu each year and between 9,000 and 50,000 die each year from the flu in the U.S. More than 100 children died of influenza last season and over half of those deaths were in otherwise healthy children. In addition, healthy individuals can spread the virus to vulnerable people such as children under the age of five, elderly people, or people with compromised immune systems. People can even spread the flu to others before they know they are sick. Getting the flu shot doesn’t just protect you, it helps protect our entire community.

Yearly Flu Shot

Avoiding InfluenzaThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) recommends a yearly flu shot for everyone over the age of six months with rare exceptions. There are a few facts to keep in mind when deciding the best timing for getting the flu shot: First, flu activity is generally highest in the U.S. between October and March.  Second, it takes about two weeks for the body to make antibodies after getting vaccinated. And third, children eight years old and younger need two vaccines four weeks apart to be considered protected.

Getting a yearly flu vaccine will reduce your risk of severe complications of the flu, hospitalization and death. I always get my yearly flu vaccine to protect myself, my family, and my patients and recommend the same for all of my patients.

COVID-19 and flu vaccination and testing are offered at HPC, contact us at 913-648-2266 to schedule your appointment.

Don’t forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.

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By Patricia Fowler, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner at Health Partnership Clinic

Patricia FowlerWith summer upon us, it is a great time to begin preparing for the next school year to start! One consideration all of us parents should have for the summer schedule is when we can get our kids into the doctor’s office for next year’s school physical. While it may seem redundant to have to go back for another physical year after year, it is an important part of managing your children’s health and setting them up for success each school year.

School Physicals Key to Learning and Success

School physicals might feel like another thing on your to-do list, but really, it’s an important piece to the puzzle of each school year. Children seem to grow in the blink of an eye, and their needs are constantly changing. At the annual appointment, the provider seeing your child will have a chance to obtain updated measurements, screen for vision and hearing changes, and get an overall picture of where your child is developmentally. All pieced together, these factors contribute greatly to the success each child will have throughout the school year!

As a parent or guardian, it also gives you the chance to ask pertinent questions about what to expect over the next year of your child’s development. It opens doors to conversations that are crucial to understanding what to expect next for each individual child. These conversations and the overall physical exam will best determine what needs, if any, your child might have as they enter the next school year.

Sports Physicals Key for School-Aged Athletes

Don’t forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.A sports physical is a separate type of visit, although depending on when it is needed, your provider may complete it along with the school physical. To participate in sports at a certain level in the state of Kansas, a child must have completed a comprehensive evaluation for full participation. The sports physical takes an in-depth look at the patient’s history as well as the family history. Many problems and health conditions can be caught during these evaluations that can help reduce morbidity and mortality through organized activities. When left unaddressed, your child is at a greater risk of major health problems and concerns related to participation in strenuous activity. Not only is it necessary to have this done for the school, but it is also imperative this full assessment of a child is done for their own safety.

Healthcare Close to Home and Affordable

Don’t forget to Schedule those Back-to-School and Sports Physicals Now.At Health Partnership Clinic, there are a variety of providers available to see patients for their annual school physicals and sports physicals, as well as all ailments that come up in between. A variety of practitioners are in place with multiple different focuses within our four locations that can see not only your child but the rest of the family as well.

At the Paola clinic, we strive to provide a welcoming environment and maintain a community feel while also respecting the individual care that you and your family need. To schedule an appointment, call 913-294-9223 and speak with one of our patient representatives. Same day appointments are available in each of our clinics.

Don’t wait – get a head start on the 2024-2025 school year so you can make sure your child goes into the next grade well prepared for another successful year of learning!