Beaumont to open two new outpatient campuses in Southeast Michigan

Beaumont Health said Wednesday it plans to open two new outpatient care campuses in Macomb and Wayne counties.

Carolyn Wilson, Beaumont chief operating officer, said the clinics would be larger in size and services than any of the 168 outpatient centers the Royal Oak-based health system operates. She said the company is investing into northeast Macomb County and western Wayne County because of the areas' large population density and growth. As more people require health care on an outpatient, ambulatory basis, Wilson said patients are requesting access closer to home.

"For inpatient services, the cost is really high," Wilson said. "We're really committed to reducing the cost of care. Outpatient care is highly efficient and patient-friendly, and it reduces the cost for those that we serve, as well."

Beaumont plans to begin construction on both centers next year for 2020 openings. Wilson said the centers will be around 100,000-125,000 square feet on substantial acreage for parking and possible expansion in the future. The Wayne County facility will likely be slightly larger. Wilson did not disclose how much the campuses will cost.

She said the campuses will have about everything except in-patient care. The new centers will offer Beaumont Health-affiliated primary and specialty care physicians, emergency care, imaging, outpatient surgery, cancer services, physical therapy and other services. It also will have a pharmacy run by the health system.

Additionally, independent physicians and groups will have opportunities to open shop at the campuses. Wilson said the developments will create many new jobs.

Denver, Colorado's NexCore Group, a national health-care real estate developer, is building the sites and will handle the property's management and leasing. HKS Architects is designing the building. According to its website, NexCore has built or is developing 50 other outpatient centers in the United States.

Wilson said the campus would seek to meet the needs of patients, wether that it through multiple accessible entrances or by grouping together services such as outpatient surgery, radiology and the pharmacy. NexCore managing partner Jarrod Daddis said the company is emphasizing natural light and interactive spaces for patients, families and caretakers.

"This is a place, ideally, that is a one stop for wellness and medical care," Daddis said, "We want that space to be as inviting and comfortable as we design it."

Beaumont patients also would be able to schedule appointments at the campuses, access tests results and pay bills online or in an app.

Beaumont's announcement follows last week's news that it is investing about $30 million into 30 new urgent care centers in Southeast Michigan with WellCare Urgent Care.

But Beaumont is not the only one looking to grow its operations in the region. Earlier this year, Henry Ford Health System said it is planning at least two new outpatient medical centers and two expanded medical centers. Detroit Medical Center plans to open at least two more MedPost urgent care centers in 2019.

According to a market report from commercial real estate brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap, there is greater demand for medical office assets in Metro Detroit than what is available. In 2018, an expected 110,00 square feet of medical office space will be added this year as of the end of June. Prices for such space is up 24 percent year over year.

bnoble@detroitnews.com