Change is a constant in business, and the health care business is not immune.

Simply put, the health care industry in Marshalltown is competitive.

McFarland Clinic is one of six medical facilities in Marshalltown – the other five are the Iowa Veterans Home, Primary Health Care, UnityPoint Health, the Veterans Administration Clinic and Wolfe Eye Clinic.

Consequently, McFarland Clinic — as are their competitors- are continually working to maintain or increase their market share.

There were 160,000 patient visits in the past year to the Southside clinic building at 421 E. Merle Hibbs Blvd. and at its Express Clinic in Hy-Vee, said Deb Wollam, executive director of Marshalltown operations.

Approximately 175 physicians, providers and staff work in the Marshalltown facilities.

The clinic has significantly invested in a new department, new staff and built one of the largest private solar arrays in Iowa all at the East Merle Hibbs Blvd. clinic which opened in 2023 Additionally, it added four new medical providers: They are: Kyle Hebert, DPT- Physical Therapy; Maggie Hansen, ARNP – Family Medicine Larissa Smith, ARNP – Family Medicine; and Sherri Stebniski, PA-C – Express Care.

Additionally, the new department, Occupational Medicine, is now available every Monday and Wednesday.

The three-story 68,300 square-foot building offers extensive multi-specialty services ranging from family medicine to pediatrics to surgery to oncology to podiatry.

Additionally, NuCara Pharmacy of Conrad leases space for a full-time pharmacist.

Solar panel project

Wollam said a major development late last year was the installation of a new solar panel project which was officially activated on Oct. 9, 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 21.

The latter was attended by prominent Marshalltown-area business leaders and local elected officials.

“This system will bring the energy needs of this facility to net zero meaning it will generate enough energy to power the building,” said Wollam. “And the project will save McFarland Clinic more than $200,000 a year in annual utility billings with a return on investment of 6.7 years. The McFarland Solar system is one of Iowa’s largest private solar arrays in Iowa with more than 2,000 panels. We believe this project reflects our shared commitment to cleaner energy, environmental stewardship and a brighter future,” she said.

Increases in Affordable Care Act premiums

Nationally, there were major changes resulting in significantly increased premiums cost for Affordable Care Act (ACA) users.

These increased premiums have impacted McFarland Clinic and its patients, said Wollam.

“The recent changes to ACA premiums have had a notable impact on McFarland Marshalltown’s outpatient healthcare clinic,” she said. “As premiums have fluctuated, we’ve observed shifts in patient insurance coverage and enrollment patterns. This has influenced both access and affordability for many of our patients seeking care from our primary care providers, surgeons, and specialists. Higher premiums or changes in plan structures have prompted others to delay care or switch insurance providers, sometimes affecting continuity of care.”

Wollam had more to say.

“Our clinic remains committed to assisting patients navigate these changes. We provide support through our billing and insurance staff, helping patients understand their coverage options and maximize their benefits. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with insurers and community resources to ensure all patients–regardless of insurance status–can access high-quality care from our multidisciplinary team, including primary care, surgical, and specialty providers.”

McFarland Clinic Express Care

The clinic is located in Hy-Vee – 802 S. Center St. It has been open and adjoining the store’s pharmacy department since January 2018.

McFarland Express Care offers same-day and next-day appointments for common illnesses, limited immunizations, and brief physicals for sports or work – availability of physicals varies by location-please call 641-844-5200 for more information.

One does not need to be an existing patient at McFarland Clinic to be seen at McFarland Express Care. Patients must be six months of age or older. (X-Ray services are not available in Express Care).

The clinic is open 363 days a year. Hours are Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

About McFarland Clinic

McFarland Clinic is headquartered in Ames and has been serving Marshalltown for more than 30 years.