Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s Announce Expansion in Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s are set to expand their services in Western Kentucky through the integration of a leading primary care practice based in Bowling Green. This expansion, comprising a $1.2 million investment, will incorporate the formerly independent Bowling Green Internal Medicine & Pediatric Associates into Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare offices. With this new merger, Norton Children’s continues to build on the substantial investments made through its existing specialty practices in the community.

Expanding Services

The recently acquired offices can be found at 615 E. Seventh Ave. and hold a total of 9,000 square feet, evenly divided between adult and pediatric primary care. This development seeks not only to streamline healthcare for children in the region but also to supplement the options available for adults seeking medical treatment.

“Providing access to healthcare is fundamental to our mission,” said Russell F. Cox, President, and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “High-quality, safe, and innovative care must be accessible to everyone across the region. The most effective strategy to realize this vision is to bring care closer to patients’ homes. This integration of the Bowling Green practice into Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare is a pivotal step towards achieving our goal.”

Investment in Bowling Green Area

The merger signifies the latest investment made by Norton Healthcare in the Bowling Green region. Norton Children’s first began offering pediatric cardiology services in this area in the 1960s. It subsequently added neurology, urology, and neonatal follow-up services at the Norton Children’s Outpatient Center located at 720 Second Ave. This outpatient center, mirroring the growth of Bowling Green itself, has witnessed substantial expansion in recent years, with patient visits increasing by 11% from 2022 to 2023.

Benefit to the Community

“Bowling Green has always been a great place to live, work, learn and play,” expressed Steven T. Hester, M.D., MBA, Senior Vice President, and Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer, Norton Healthcare. “Having these practices will allow us to help bridge the gap between primary care and specialty services, with the ultimate aim of supporting the community for years to come.”

Maintaining Existing Team

The practices will continue with their existing team of nine providers, the majority of whom cater to both adults and children. The offices anticipate more than 25,000 visits this year and will offer an array of services, including wellness check-ups, sports physicals, vaccinations, sick visits, pulmonary function and electrocardiogram testing, and more.

Looking Ahead

“We’re thrilled to join the Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare system,” commented Paul A. Kniery, M.D., an internal medicine physician with the former practice who is now a part of Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare. “We’ve seen the positive impact of their specialized pediatric care in our community, and we are proud to take part in the expansion of primary care services for families here in Bowling Green.”

Dr. Hester added, “Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare have fostered a positive relationship with physicians in Bowling Green. Our goal is to enhance their exceptional work by utilizing all the tools and resources we have to facilitate prompt access to care and elevate the patient and family experience.”