Scotland County Hospital, Blessing Health System team up to make kidney specialist more accessible

MEMPHIS, Mo. — Scotland County Hospital in Memphis is teaming up with Blessing Health System in Quincy, Ill., to bring specialized care to residents of northeast Missouri.

Blessing kidney specialist Dr. Justo Gonzalez began seeing patients at Scotland County Hospital monthly on April 29.

“We see a number of patients from the Scotland County region in our office in Quincy,” Gonzalez said in a press release. “To make getting this vital care easier for our northeast Missouri patients, Scotland County Hospital has invited me to see patients from the region at their facility. Both organizations recognize the importance of convenient access to high quality and safe healthcare.”

“We are excited and grateful that Blessing is teaming up with us to offer nephrology services at our hospital,” said Meagan Weber, chief executive officer, Scotland County Hospital. “We are striving to provide as many services on-site as we can. Blessing Health System continues to be a trusted partner in healthcare for our team. We know our patients will be blessed.”

Patients from the Scotland County region area with kidney issues should call the Blessing Nephrology Department at 217-214-6260 and ask for an appointment at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis or Quincy with Gonzalez.

Nationally certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine with certification in nephrology, Gonzalez completed two fellowships; one at the University of California in San Diego in general nephrology and one at the University of Miami School of Medicine in interventional nephrology. Gonzalez treats acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, issues related to protein and blood in the urine and kidney failure.

It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans live with kidney disease. Among them, more than 800,000 are in kidney failure, and nearly 560,000 of those people are on kidney dialysis.

Gonzalez received his specialized kidney care training in large cities on the east and west coasts, but he prefers rural life.

“I’m a country dweller because I prefer the human connection in country living,” he said.