By Ball State Communications—
MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s College of Health is expanding access to healthcare in East Central Indiana with the launch of a new family medicine primary care practice serving community members.
The new primary care family medicine service will operate within the Healthy Lifestyle Center at the University’s Interprofessional Community Clinics, 1613 W. Riverside Ave. in Muncie. Free parking is available for patients in the clinic parking lot at the Health Professions Building. Three newly hired family nurse practitioners are beginning to open their patient panels as the practice prepares for a soft launch in early September.
The practice will provide comprehensive family medicine and primary care services to patients of all ages, including annual wellness visits and preventive care, routine physical examinations, chronic disease management, women’s health services, health screenings and preventive counseling, treatment for everyday health concerns, and coordination of specialty referrals when needed. New patient inquiries will be reviewed to help ensure each patient receives care in the setting that best meets their needs.
“We want patients to have a primary care experience built around listening, education, and an ongoing relationship with a provider who knows them,” said Dr. Justin Tobyas, director of interprofessional education and practice and assistant clinical professor of athletic training in Ball State’s College of Health. “Our providers will work alongside patients to address immediate health needs while emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and the daily choices that support long-term wellbeing.”
The practice will emphasize personalized, relationship-based care that gives patients time to ask questions and participate in decisions about their health. Its services will focus on preventive healthcare, wellness promotion, early intervention, and management of chronic health conditions, in addition to treating illness.
Because the practice will be located within the Healthy Lifestyle Center, patients also may benefit from an integrated approach that supports physical, behavioral, and lifestyle health.
The initiative supports Ball State’s strategic commitment to collaborate with community partners to improve population health and wellbeing throughout East Central Indiana. It also advances the University’s mission by connecting meaningful educational experiences with service that enhances the vitality of the region.
“Expanding access to primary care is a meaningful extension of our College’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve,” said Dr. Scott Rutledge, dean of Ball State’s College of Health. “This practice will provide compassionate, relationship-centered care while creating additional opportunities for our students to learn in an academic healthcare environment shaped by collaboration, service, and innovation.”
The new practice builds upon the work of Ball State’s Interprofessional Community Clinics (ICCs), a multi-specialty group practice established in 2019 that brings together clinical care, student education, and community engagement. The ICCs include the Audiology Clinic, Counseling Practicum Clinic, Healthy Lifestyle Center, and Speech Pathology Clinic and currently provide approximately 16,000 appointments annually at their campus location, along with about 10,000 community outreach encounters through the Healthy Lifestyle Center.
The ICCs also recently welcomed two clinics from Ball State’s Teachers College: the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Psychoeducational Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic. The two clinics, which became part of the ICCs on Aug. 17, are expected to begin accepting new clients in October. Additional information about their services and availability will be shared as plans are finalized.
Together, these expanded services will provide more healthcare options for individuals and families throughout East Central Indiana while broadening clinical learning opportunities for Ball State students preparing for careers in the health professions.
The primary care family medicine service will be in-network with Medicare, most Indiana Medicaid managed care plans, and Anthem commercial insurance plans. For patients covered by other commercial insurance plans, the practice will bill as an out-of-network provider. Patients are encouraged to verify their individual benefits with their insurance carrier before their appointment.
To schedule an appointment with the new primary care family medicine service, call 765-285-1293.
Current Ball State students who are enrolled full time and attending classes on campus continue to have access to healthcare services through the Amelia T. Wood Health Center, 1500 W. Neely Ave. The Health Center remains the University’s dedicated healthcare resource for enrolled students, providing health and wellness services tailored to student needs. Students should visit the Health Center website for more information about services or call 765-285-8431 to schedule an appointment.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. We Fly!
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