One of the longtime businesses in the city of Medical Lake will be closing its doors soon.
Medical Lake Physical Therapy, which has been operating in the city for 10 years, will have its last day April 29.
Dr. Nola Petrucelly opened the clinic in 2005 on Lake Street. A year later, the clinic moved to 725 N. Stanley St., above what used to be the urgent care center run by Dr. Jane Akpamgbo — now Rockwood Clinic.
Petrucelly is thankful for the support from the community in the last 10 years and explained that the decision to close the clinic was not an easy one.
“It is unfortunate that as a small, independently owned business we are unable to weather the storm driven by the large medical corporations,” Petrucelly said.
While the clinic enjoyed success over the years, the healthcare field has changed, not only in methods and in practices, but also in insurance and billing. According to Petrucelly, there are a lot more requirements and authorization for patients to receive therapy.
Petrucelly will continue to work at her Turning Point Physical Therapy office in Spokane. With the clinic closing, West Plains residents will have to travel to the Apex Physical Therapy offices in Cheney and Airway Heights, or Airway Heights Physical Therapy if they don’t want to travel to Spokane.
“It is sad when a community loses a small business,” Petrucelly said. “Not only did we consider ourselves part of the community, having heavily invested in the town of Medial Lake, we know that patient choice will be very limited with our departure.”
In addition to serving residents, the clinic was involved in the community, participating in Founder’s Day, Medical Lake Pick N Roll basketball tournament, and Tennis-a-thon, as well as partnering with local organizations such as the Friends for Children, Lions Club and the middle and high school for service projects.
“We pride ourselves in giving quality, one-on-one care with a personal touch to our neighbors and friends,” Petrucelly said. “We will truly miss Medical Lake and the joy that it brings to be able to serve them.”
The clinic is the latest business to close in Medical Lake in the last few months. Lindebee’s Diner and the Wagon Wheel Bar and Grill closed back in February. Cela’s Creative Learning Center temporarily closed its doors and currently is in the process of moving to a new location on Lefevre Street.
Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].
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