Journey Clinic Closure

Statement from Norman Regional Health System

Norman Regional Health System made the difficult decision to close Journey Clinic and discontinue our surgical weight loss options. This choice was not made lightly, and we’re deeply grateful for the dedication and exceptional care provided by the Journey Clinic team. Their efforts have earned well-deserved recognition as a Center of Excellence by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

We understand this change may be unexpected and challenging for our patients and those who are caring for them. Norman Regional is wholeheartedly committed to supporting each of them through this transition. Our team is actively working to ensure care plans are smoothly transferred to new providers who will continue to meet patient needs with the same high standards of care.

Norman Regional remains steadfast in our commitment to the community. While we navigate this transition, we will continue to invest in growth areas with leading-edge technology and compassionate care across all areas of service, ensuring we provide the best possible support to our patients and their families well into the future.

If you are a patient and have questions or need further assistance during this time, please do not hesitate to contact Norman Regional at 405-515-2049. We are here to help and support patients during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Norman Regional decided to close Journey Clinic?

Norman Regional Health System has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Journey Clinic as part of our strategic restructuring to better serve the community’s healthcare needs. While we understand the suddenness of this announcement, it was essential to act swiftly to ensure a responsible transition and reallocation of resources. Our primary focus is on providing the highest quality of care across all our services.

This decision to close the Journey Clinic and discontinue bariatric operations was based on several strategic considerations, and this closure will allow us to focus on areas where we can provide the most impact.

We recognize the transformative impact of GLP-1 medications on weight loss treatment, and they have significantly changed the landscape of obesity treatment. We have observed a trend of less demand for surgical options and more demand for medication options for about two years.

It has long been our goal to align our resources with innovative technologies and advancements in order to provide the most effective care for our patients and community.

This difficult decision will ultimately allow us to focus on expanding other areas of service where we see increasing demand and opportunities for growth.

Norman Regional’s bariatric program has helped many patients achieve significant health improvements and enhanced quality of life. Regrettably, while this service has been important, the evolving landscape of weight loss treatment necessitated our strategic shift.

Will any weight loss services be offered at Norman Regional?

Yes! Norman Regional continues to offer medication-assisted weight loss services at our Health@TheWell clinic in Norman. Our primary care physicians, who are certified in obesity medicine, are available to help you manage your weight loss journey through medication and other non-surgical approaches.

To schedule an appointment call 405-515-5000.

When will Journey Clinic be officially closing?

The clinic will remain open to care for patients until Friday, September 27.

Journey Clinic will not be accepting new patients during this transition period. Journey Clinic will continue to see surgical patients for their post-operative checkups and Medical Weight Loss patients until the clinic closure. After that time, Medical Weight Loss patients can transfer their care to our Medical Weight Loss clinic at Health@TheWell.

Why did Norman Regional cancel all bariatric surgeries, even ones scheduled for the next day?

Canceling surgeries, even those scheduled for the next day, was a very challenging decision. It was necessary to ensure the safety and proper management of patient care during this transition. We sincerely apologize for the stress and inconvenience caused by the cancellation of surgeries. We understand the significant preparation that patients have undertaken. Norman Regional is committed to providing support to all affected patients, helping them transfer their care to other facilities and offering resources to manage this change.

What should current Journey Clinic patients do to find a new bariatric or medical weight loss provider?

During this time of transition, we’re dedicated to assisting all patients in finding new providers and ensuring continuity of care. Dr. Lana Nelson has reached out to other bariatric surgery programs across the state, and they have agreed to accept patients of Journey Clinic. These programs require the patient to contact them directly to transfer their care, and patients will need to request their medical records from their time at Journey Clinic. Medical records can be requested through several convenient options detailed on our website JourneyClinic.com, ensuring privacy and confidentiality are maintained.

The bariatric surgery programs listed below have agreed to accept Journey Clinic patients and continue their plan of care:

Norman Regional will continue to provide medication-assisted weight loss services through our Health@TheWell Medical Weight Loss Clinic. However, we will no longer offer bariatric surgical services.
Our Patient Financial Services team is available to support affected patients to provide detailed information and assist with any financial concerns. Patients can contact our financial services team at 405-307-1280 or via email at PFS_Clinic@nrh-ok.com for further assistance.

What will happen to patients who have already paid for surgeries?

Patients who took out loans through Norman Regional’s 0% financing program with Commerce Bank for surgeries that have not been completed will not be required to pay back those loans. Those loans will be canceled. Refunds will be issued to patients who have a prepaid balance.

Our Patient Financial Services team is available to assist with any questions or concerns regarding the loans at 405-307-1280 or via email at PFS_Clinic@nrh-ok.com.

What does this closure mean for all the changes coming to Norman Regional in the coming months like the flagship move and expansion, and other clinics opening their doors?

The plans to move Norman Regional Hospital remain unchanged. We are excited to welcome patients to the newly expanded campus on our first patient day on July 28, 2024. Having one acute care campus will also bring cost efficiencies to the entire organization.

We will continue to provide expert care in the specialties where we are experiencing increasing demand and growth.

What will happen to Journey Clinic employees?

We value our employees and their contributions to Journey Clinic. Compensation and benefits will be handled on an individual basis as we transfer these healers to their new assignment within the health system.

For other bariatric surgery programs across the state, click here.