Three New Specialty Care Providers Join Outpatient Specialty Clinic
Holton, Kansas — November 13, 2025 — Holton Community Hospital is proud to announce the addition of three new specialty care providers to its Outpatient Specialty Clinic, expanding access to cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology services for patients across Jackson County and the surrounding region.
This expansion directly responds to the community’s priorities identified in the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), which highlighted a growing need for improved access to specialty care — particularly in the areas of chronic disease management, heart health, diabetes care, and digestive health.
“You Spoke, and We Listened.”
Residents emphasized the importance of receiving high-quality specialty care close to home, reducing the travel burden on families and ensuring continuity of care. In response, Holton Community Hospital has strengthened partnerships with regional specialists and expanded in-house provider availability to meet those needs.
A Smart, Cost-Effective Approach to Rural Healthcare
As part of its commitment to fiscal responsibility, Holton Community Hospital continues to prioritize innovative, cost-efficient models that maximize patient access while protecting the hospital’s long-term sustainability.
Partnering with specialty providers from other area hospitals allows HCH to offer advanced care without the significant financial burden of recruiting full-time specialists to a rural critical access hospital.
This approach:
- Ensures patients receive high-quality care without traveling out of town
- Reduces staffing overhead costs
- Enhances service availability while managing budget constraints
- Supports the hospital’s efforts to remain financially strong in a challenging rural healthcare environment
Expanding these partnerships is a practical and sustainable response to both community feedback and the economic realities facing rural hospitals nationwide.
New Specialty Care Providers Joining the HCH Team
Cardiology: Chris Tollefson, APRN, NP-C, CMC
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A highly experienced cardiac nurse practitioner, Chris joins Holton Community Hospital in partnership with Stormont Vail Hospital & the Cotton O’Neil Heart Center.
Chris has extensive training in heart health, cardiac disease management, and preventive cardiology. He will begin seeing patients in the Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Holton as part of HCH’s ongoing collaboration to bring more specialty care into Jackson County.
Education & Credentials:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Washburn University
- Master of Science in Nursing – Washburn University
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certified
- Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC)
Endocrinology: Bailey Cole, APRN-C, DNP
From the Cotton O’Neil Diabetes & Endocrinology Center, Bailey specializes in diabetes management, thyroid disorders, hormone health, and metabolic conditions.
Her arrival addresses two top CHNA-identified needs: greater access to diabetes care and enhanced chronic disease management within the county.
Education & Credentials:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Washburn University
- Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN-C)
Gastroenterology: Amy Waller, APRN
As part of Holton Community Hospital’s own Outpatient Specialty Clinic team, Amy provides diagnostic and therapeutic GI services, including support for digestive disorders, abdominal symptoms, and long-term GI wellness. A highly experienced
Gastroenterology nurse practitioner, Amy brings access to expert Gastroenterology for our rural communities — and the CHNA further emphasized the need for local digestive health services to prevent emergency visits and improve quality of life.
Education & Credentials:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing – University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Master of Science in Nursing – University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner
A Direct Investment in Community Priorities
Holton Community Hospital’s expanded specialty services reflect the hospital’s ongoing commitment to patient-centered care and its mission to serve as the region’s trusted healthcare destination.
“The community told us they wanted more specialty services available locally — and we took that to heart,” said Carrie Lutz, CEO of Holton Community Hospital.
“Through strong partnerships and responsible financial management, we’re able to bring advanced care to Jackson County in a sustainable, cost-effective way.”
Aligned With the HCH Vision
We deliver patient-centered care, leverage innovative technology, and collaborate with the highest-quality specialty services to be Kansas’s most trusted healthcare destination.
About the Outpatient Specialty Clinic
Holton Community Hospital partners with leading health systems and board-certified specialists to bring advanced care to rural Kansas. Cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, general surgery, dermatology, behavioral health, and other specialties are consistently available to patients without leaving their community.
Learn More
Visit: https://holtonhospital.com/hospital-care/outpatient-specialty-clinic
Media Contact: Roger Stockman, Manager of Marketing & Recruitment
785-364-9660 | roger.stockman@rhrjc.org
