'One-stop' clinic opens in St. Charles

Fox Valley Women and Children's Health Partners have had plenty of places to call home over the past nine years, but nothing like this.

On Tuesday, the group of private practice doctors unveiled a state-of-the-art medical facility in St. Charles, where patients can receive a variety of services -- from pediatrics to plastic surgery -- all under one roof.

The new 45,000-square-foot office, which opened May 12 at 3310 W. Main St., is a welcome sign of the times for Dr. Steven Bush, an obstetrician/gynecologist who went into business with just three employees and a small office in Aurora in 1999, then eventually expanded to include offices in Elburn and St. Charles.

Bush, who is president of the medical group, said he wanted to centralize operations to create a convenient and comfortable environment where women and children could receive the bulk of their medical care, and then some. The project has been in the works for more than two years.

"It's kind of a one-stop shop," Bush said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by more than 100. "It's very unique."

The new facility, which has its own radiology department and labs, brings doctors for children and women just steps away from one another. It also offers mental health treatment, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and a variety of medical spa services.

With upward of 1,400 patients a week, Bush said the practice has been growing 20 to 25 percent a year, and "we're expecting to see significant growth" continue as a result of the new facility. Today, it employs close to 90 people, he said.

Dr. Mark Regnier, director of pediatrics, added that practitioners are trying to create a "medical home" in St. Charles where patients from across the Fox Valley can get a consistent quality of treatment from doctors who know each other and work together.

"It's no longer a blind referral," he said. "We can interface."

Regnier, who joined the group about two years ago, said the center is working with several community groups and schools to promote its message and also is looking at the possibility of adding dentistry to its list of growing list of services.

Dr. Richard Kopolovic, a plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery, said he's already increased the frequency of his visits to the center from a couple times a month to once a week or more. Kopolovic, who's been with the group about a year, also has offices in Hinsdale and Sycamore.

"From my point of view, this is a revolutionary concept," he said. "Everything is in one nice location."

At Tuesday's ceremony, St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte lauded the group for its commitment to the area.

"This is a tremendous addition to the medical assets in our community," he said.