Did You Know? Local Access, Expert Care: How CCMH’s Hospitalist Partnership Benefits Patients
September 04, 2026
CARROLLTON, Mo. – Did you know that patients at Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) have access to a dedicated team of hospital-based physicians who help provide high-quality inpatient care close to home?
For approximately two years now, CCMH has partnered with Gates Hospitalist Group, a team of physicians specializing in the care of hospitalized patients. This partnership helps ensure patients receive expert medical attention while allowing many individuals to stay near family and support systems during their recovery.
Hospitalists are physicians who focus exclusively on caring for patients during their hospital stay. They coordinate treatment plans, monitor patient progress, and work closely with nursing staff, therapists, specialists, and primary care providers to deliver comprehensive care.
Before establishing the partnership, CCMH carefully evaluated several hospitalist groups to find the best fit for the organization and the community.
The Gates Hospitalist Group includes Dr. Lancer Gates, Dr. Corey Lewis, Dr. Abdurrahman Bouzid, Dr. Chris Chapman, Dr. Nick Gier, Dr. Justin Dastrup, and Dr. Jeffrey Dryden.
“These physicians have been instrumental in strengthening the level of care we can provide right here at CCMH,” said Lisa Crabtree, CCMH Chief Nursing Officer. “Their expertise helps us evaluate the needs of each patient and determine when care can safely be provided locally and when a higher level of specialized care may be needed.”
As a Critical Access Hospital, CCMH provides a broad range of inpatient services. However, some patients may require treatment available only at larger facilities with advanced specialty and intensive care services. Because several members of the Gates Hospitalist Group also practice at larger regional hospitals, they help coordinate smooth transfers when necessary.
“This partnership creates continuity of care for our patients,” Crabtree said. “If a patient’s condition requires services beyond what we can provide, our hospitalists help facilitate a seamless transition to larger facilities such as NKC Health, while ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.”
At CCMH, hospitalists often care for patients with complex medical conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes, pneumonia, heart failure, cardiac rhythm disorders, and other illnesses requiring close monitoring and specialized treatment. Their involvement allows CCMH to care for many patients locally who might otherwise need to travel farther from home.
In addition to acute inpatient care, CCMH’s Swing Bed Program plays an important role in helping patients recover and regain independence before returning home.
Swing bed patients often require services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, continued IV antibiotic treatment, or additional medical support following a hospital stay. These services help bridge the gap between hospitalization and a safe return home.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is CCMH’s rehabilitation department.
“Our rehabilitation team is a critical part of our success,” Crabtree said. “The therapists work closely with patients every day to help them regain strength, improve mobility, and achieve their recovery goals. Their dedication makes a tremendous difference in patient outcomes.”
Together, the Swing Bed Program and rehabilitation services serve a significant portion of CCMH’s inpatient population and allow many residents to receive recovery-focused care without leaving their community.
The hospitalist partnership also supports physician wellness and sustainability by providing coverage that promotes work-life balance for CCMH’s full-time providers, while maintaining consistent access to inpatient medical care.
“It’s been a successful partnership,” Crabtree said. “Dr. Gates and his team are highly dedicated professionals who enjoy working in our community. They recognize the strength of our staff, our rehabilitation services, and our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. Their support helps us continue providing quality healthcare close to home.”
Through partnerships like Gates Hospitalist Group, CCMH remains committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while ensuring patients have access to the services they need, right here in Carroll County whenever possible.
For more information about the services at Carroll County Memorial Hospital, visit our website http://www.carrollcountyhospital.org or call 660-542-1695.
Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), the area’s premier healthcare resource, is a 25-bed Critical Access facility serving Carrollton and the surrounding communities. It offers 24-hour emergency care, specialized services such as advanced diagnostics, post-acute skilled care (swing bed) and comprehensive family care. CCMH is dedicated to the Health and Well Being of All We Serve. For more information, visit carrollcountyhospital.org.