Bay Medical Clinic to close permanently

Bay Medical Clinic will close permanently at the end of this year, after multiple attempts to secure a replacement provider were unsuccessful.

Bay Medical Clinic was opened by doctors Marta Kazymyra and husband David Allan 39 years ago in Blaine. Its closure will leave the city of Blaine without any Medicare doctors. Family Care Network recently agreed to purchase city-owned land for a new medical center, but construction has not yet started and the facility is not expected to open for at least two years.

“It is with heavy hearts that after 39 years in Blaine, we are announcing our retirement and closure of Bay Medical Clinic,” read a letter that was recently sent to the clinic’s 2,500 patients. “We have spent over two years looking for a replacement and have unfortunately been unsuccessful. Family medicine is a very difficult specialty and small, personal practices are becoming a thing of the past.”

Indeed, a recent report published by the Washington State Medical Association noted the numerous challenges faced by independent medical practices, ranging from burdensome documentation, lower reimbursements and recruitment shortages to rent increases, state fees and taxes.

Bay Medical Clinic’s last day will be Friday, December 27, and its staff will not be available to provide health care after that date. Its patients are urged to make an appointment in November or December for an exit visit, when they can receive prescriptions to ensure they have enough medication for several months until making arrangements with a new provider.

Dr. Kazymyra has made arrangements with Dr. Jamie Kendall-Weed of Bellingham to accept many of her patients. “She’s a family physician with a similar philosophy and a small, independent clinic,” said Dr. Kazymyra. “My patients might find her to be a good fit.”

In their letter to patients, Dr. Allan and Dr. Kazymyra suggested several other options including the Center for Senior Health, Associates in Family Medicine, Unity Care NW, Sea Mar, Family Care Network, PeaceHealth Internal Medicine and PeaceHealth Family Medicine.

Dr. Allan and Dr. Kazymyra thanked their present and past staff for their “amazing dedication” over the years. “As we start a new chapter of our lives, please know that it has truly been an honor and a privilege to look after your health care needs over the past 38 years,” read their letter. “We will miss everyone.”

Patients are invited to the clinic for cake and coffee on Monday, December 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. to say a personal goodbye. For any questions about the event or transitioning to a new provider, please contact Bay Medical Clinic at 360/332-6327.