Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Urgent Care

PALOUSE MEDICAL

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About Palouse Medical

(509) 332-2517

Palouse Medical is dedicated to providing high-quality, personalized healthcare for individuals and families. With providers specializing in family medicine and internal medicine, patients can receive care for everything from routine check-ups to chronic conditions—all in one place.

For those times when care can’t wait, Pullman ReadyCare offers walk-in services for illnesses and injuries—no appointment needed. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a minor injury, same-day care is available to help patients feel better, faster. Please note, there are only a certain number of time slots available each day.

Operating Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED
 

ReadyCare

Wait Times May Vary, Please Plan Accordingly!

Our ReadyCare team always strives to deliver outstanding patient care in a timely manner; however, due to the nature of the types of patient concerns we see in ReadyCare, and dependent on patient volume, there may be a longer than normal wait to be seen.

Please be patient with us if you experience a longer wait than expected, and remember that there is an emergency department downstairs if your issue is more emergent.

Please allow enough time to be seen. Coming to the clinic close to closing time may result in our inability to provide same day services to you.

ReadyCare Hours Of Operation

Monday - Friday
7 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

 

Garcia, Clara

Background

Dr. Clara Garcia is a board-certified family medicine physician providing comprehensive primary and obstetrical care at Palouse Medical. She is eager to build lasting relationships with her patients and provide long-term, community-focused care.

La doctora Garcia está emocionada de unirse a Palouse Medical! Habla español y está entusiasmada por satisfacer las necesidades de atención médica de nuestra comunidad, atendiendo a pacientes de todas las edades.

Services & Interests

Dr. Garcia is passionate about full-spectrum family medicine, including obstetrical care and C-sections. She provides care for patients of all ages, addressing a wide range of health concerns. Her areas of expertise include:

  • Primary Care & Preventative Medicine – Comprehensive healthcare for the whole family
  • Pediatrics – Care for infants, children, and adolescents
  • Prenatal & Obstetrical Care – Supporting mothers throughout pregnancy and delivery
  • Women’s Health & Contraception Management – Personalized reproductive care
  • Disease Prevention & Wellness Exams – Proactive health screenings for all ages

In-House Procedures & Minor Surgeries:

  • Laceration Repair
  • Incision & Drainage
  • Biopsies & Excisions
  • Nail Removal
  • Circumcisions
  • IUD & Nexplanon Insertions/Removals
  • Cryotherapy

Dr. Garcia is committed to providing high-quality, personalized care to help patients stay healthy and thrive at every stage of life.

Gregory, Nancy

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Background

Nancy Gregory brings over 32 years of healthcare experience, with a specialized focus on diabetes education and management. She is passionate about helping patients with diabetes improve their quality of life through education and personalized care.

Nancy's expertise has earned her significant local recognition, including her role as a consultant for Pullman Regional Hospital, where she helped develop and implement new hospital-based diabetes management guidelines. In addition to patient care, she is involved in medical education through the WWAMI program, mentoring pharmacy students and nurse practitioners.

Services & Interests

Nancy provides comprehensive primary care with a special focus on internal medicine and diabetes management. She sees patients full-time as a primary care provider, offers diabetes consultations, and is an integral part of the Pullman ReadyCare team. Her areas of expertise include:

  • Wellness Exams – Preventative care and routine health screenings
  • Chronic Disease Management – Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, depression, and more
  • Comprehensive Diabetes Care – Testing, education, and management
  • Insulin Pump Management – Personalized support for insulin therapy
  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring – Advanced diabetes care solutions
  • Urgent Care Needs – Same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries

With a commitment to patient education and personalized treatment plans, Nancy Gregory helps patients take control of their health and well-being.

Hall, Stephen

Background

Dr. Stephen Hall has been providing family medicine and obstetrical care to the Palouse community for over 13 years. He graduated at the top of his class from George Washington University in 1985, earning the Horowitz Award for academic excellence. He then completed a three-year family medicine residency at David Grant Medical Center at Travis Air Force Base in California.

After residency, Dr. Hall served as a physician in the United States Air Force, which allowed him to travel the world and experience new cultures. He spent two years at Iraklion Air Station in Crete, Greece, where he was among the last to assist with the base’s official closure, followed by three years at Aviano Air Base in Italy.

On a visit back to the U.S., he learned of a growing need for physicians in the Palouse region. Wanting to find the right home for himself and his young family, he completed his military service and moved to Pullman in 1997, joining Dr. Jim Duffy’s practice. Just one year later, that clinic merged with others to form what is now Palouse Medical.

Services & Interests

Dr. Hall is a board-certified family medicine physician offering comprehensive primary and obstetrical care for patients of all ages. His medical interests include:

  • Primary Care & Preventative Medicine – Family-centered healthcare and wellness
  • In-House Procedures & Minor Surgeries – Vasectomies, IUD insertions/removals, biopsies, excisions, and circumcisions
  • Musculoskeletal & Non-Surgical Orthopedic Care – Management of joint and muscle complaints
  • Dermatological Issues – Diagnosis and treatment of common skin conditions
  • Wellness Exams – Routine health screenings for all ages

With a strong commitment to patient care and community health, Dr. Hall continues to serve the Palouse region with trusted, high-quality medical care.

 

Mark HooverBackground

Dr. Mark Hoover decided to pursue a career in medicine because he had a desire to put his interests in biology, and other related fields, to use helping people.

Interests outside of work:

Outside of work, Dr. Hoover enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, birdwatching, and kayaking. "Just about anything outdoors,” he says.

Iacobelli, Christopher

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Background

Dr. Christopher Iacobelli (pronounced “YOCK-uh-belly”) is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with a focus on Adult Medicine and geriatric care. He has a passion for helping patients navigate and manage complex health issues, especially as they age. Dr. Iacobelli is committed to creating a collaborative patient-provider relationship, where working together to achieve health goals is at the heart of his practice. As a member of the internal medicine team, he offers a broad range of services and adult primary care.

Services & Interests

Dr. Iacobelli is dedicated to providing comprehensive adult healthcare and values delivering high-quality care across many areas of adult health. His specific medical interests include:

  • Adult Medicine & Primary Care – Full-spectrum care for adults of all ages
  • Preventative Medicine – Focus on health maintenance and disease prevention
  • Wellness Exams – Routine screenings and health check-ups
  • Cancer Screening – Early detection and prevention strategies
  • Complex Diseases & Disorders – Management of chronic health conditions
  • Diabetes Care – Education, management, and treatment
  • Hypertension – Blood pressure management and cardiovascular health
  • Thyroid Disease & Endocrine Disorders – Diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances

Dr. Iacobelli is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care for adults, helping them achieve their best possible health through a collaborative approach.

Tricola, Kassandra

Background

Dr. Kassandra M. Tricola, affectionately known as Dr. Kassie, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who provides full-spectrum care, including primary family medicine and obstetrical care. She is passionate about taking care of patients throughout all stages of life, from prenatal care to end-of-life care. Dr. Kassie has always had a strong desire to return to a rural community to offer the personalized, comprehensive care that patients need and deserve.

Services & Interests

Dr. Tricola is a welcomed addition to the healthcare team, offering comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. She is dedicated to addressing a wide range of health issues, including:

  • General Family Medicine & Preventative Care – Full primary care for patients of all ages
  • Pediatrics – Healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents
  • Prenatal & Obstetrical Care – Comprehensive care for expectant mothers
  • Women’s Health & Contraception Management – Tailored reproductive care
  • Disease Prevention – Focus on prevention and wellness
  • Wellness Exams – Routine health exams for all ages

In-House Procedures & Minor Surgeries:

  • Laceration Repair
  • Incision & Drainage
  • Biopsies & Excisions
  • Nail Removal
  • Circumcisions
  • IUD & Nexplanon Insertions/Removals
  • Cryotherapy

Dr. Tricola is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, helping families achieve optimal health at every stage of life.

 

Zhimin Zhai

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Zhimin Zhai, MD (pronounced ZY-ming J-eye), is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with more than 25 years of experience. Prior to joining Palouse Medical, she practiced at Valley Medical Center in Renton, Washington, for eight years. Dr. Zhai’s clinical focus is on preventive care and ensuring that patients clearly understand their treatment plans. She is particularly experienced in diabetes management and enjoys caring for patients with complex and chronic health conditions.

Dr. Zhai’s philosophy of care is rooted in the belief that patients are the leaders of their own healthcare team. She views her role as a trusted partner, providing guidance and expertise while patients implement their health goals. She is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, where patients feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the care they receive.

Services & Interests

Dr. Zhai provides comprehensive Internal Medicine services for adult patients, with expertise in:

  • Preventive Care – Emphasis on education, wellness, and proactive health management

  • Diabetes Management – Extensive experience in long-term treatment and patient support

  • Chronic Disease Management – Skilled in managing complex, multi-faceted health conditions

  • Patient-Centered Care – Collaborative approach that empowers patients to take an active role in their health

Outside the Clinic

Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Zhai enjoys cooking traditional Chinese cuisine, traveling to Europe, and visiting her family in China. She and her husband have two children, one pursuing a career in medicine and the other working at Google. Dr. Zhai also enjoys hiking and looks forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Palouse.

 

Our services

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

 

A Family Physician is a health-care specialist for the whole family from birth to end-of life, often including OB care. The family physician’s care is both personal and comprehensive and not limited by age, sex, organ system or type of problem, be it biological, behavioral or social.

The family physician functions as the patient’s means of entry into the health care system and as the physician of first contact in most situations. This puts the family physician in a position to form a unique bond with their patients.  This care is based on knowledge of the patient in the context of the family and the community, emphasizing disease prevention and health promotion. When referral is indicated, the family physician refers the patient to other specialists or caregivers but remains the coordinator of the patient’s health care. This prevents fragmentation of that care in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. The family physician serves as the patient’s advocate in dealing with other medical professionals, third party payers, employers and others and as such is a cost-effective coordinator of the patient’s health services.

On-Site Radiology Services

At Palouse Medical, we have an unwavering commitment to producing quality and accurate imaging for patients of all ages. Our highly trained team has the experience you can depend on. We look forward to assisting you with the imaging that you require and provide you with the best experience possible.

Added Benefits Of In-House Testing & Imaging

Not only is our x-ray department conveniently located, but allows providers the ability to get your results quickly and is a service to our patients. If you require a more complicated study or further testing beyond what we can offer in our office, we are happy to help coordinate services with outside providers to ensure you receive the care you need.

Bone Desitometry Scans

This advanced technology produces accurate bone density test results, by utilizing a painless approach, similar to an X-Ray exam. Additionally, our DEXA bone densitometry machine also provides an instant vertebral assessment, shedding  even more light to help your provider assess and understand your bone and skeletal health.

Palouse Medical has been providing this valuable testing to patients for nearly two decades. We understand the importance of monitoring bone health and encourage patients who are interested or concerned about their bone health, to talk to your provider at your next visit!

What is a Bone Density Scan (DEXA)?

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of X-Ray technology used to measure bone health by analyzing bone mineral density (BMD).

A DEXA scan is effective in assessing and analyzing a patient’s risk of developing fractures and can help our providers track the effects of treatment for conditions that cause bone loss. There are many risks that increase occurrences of fractures, such as:

  • Age
  • Body weight
  • History of prior fracture(s)
  • Family history of osteoporotic fractures
  • Life style factors (i.e., diet, smoking, medications, excessive alcohol consumption, etc.)
 

Imaging Deparment Hours Of Operation

Monday – Friday:

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

NOTE: We currently do not offer imaging services during evening hours or weekends. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please call 509-332-2517 and a friendly staff member will be happy to assist you.

 

Internal medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases in adults. These providers are trained to manage diseases, chronic illness, and can even oversee hospital care.

Focusing on prevention and early detection, they diagnose and treat a wide variety of complex illnesses and health conditions. As a primary care provider, our internists truly enjoy building long lasting relationships with the patients that they serve.

Serving as a guide to patients, our Internal Medicine provider team helps patients navigate through the healthcare system to ensure that they receive services and care needed to improve quality of life.  Working with our support staff, this team helps ensure that patients are assisted while scheduling any necessary referrals or additional service orders preformed outside our clinic.

Specializing In Your Growing Family!

Palouse Medical’s OB team is excited to provide you with comprehensive care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our kind and caring staff ensure that you are treated with compassion, professionalism, and respect. We offer a wide range of services and will be there for you along every step of your journey through parenthood.

Why Choose a Family Doctor for Your OB Care?

One of our greatest joys is the connection we make with our patients and their families along the journey. With Palouse Medical you can expect to see one provider throughout your pregnancy and have the same provider there for your delivery and after!  As family physicians, they also have the expertise to provide pediatric care for your infants and children.

What Are Some Advantages of OB at Palouse Medical?

It is only natural that questions and concerns arise throughout each stage of the journey.  It often starts before getting pregnant- we offer preconception appointments to offer advice and assist with a healthy & successful start. You will never be without friendly guidance, expert advice, and the care that you and your family need! And rest assured, in the event your provider is unavailable, there is a physician on call 24/7- there to provide the care you need, when you need it.

Palouse Medical also shares campus and works closely with Pullman Regional Hospital (PRH). Through PRH Birthplace, you will have a personalized and attentive labor and delivery experience with a team of nurses & staff who have repeatedly earned the Woman’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals in Obstetrics.

 

Call to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our OB providers today!

 

Patient Resources & Forms

Contracted Insurance Companies, PPO & HMO with Copays or Deductibles

Palouse Medical is a preferred provider for the following companies:

  • Aetna
  • Amerigroup
  • Asuris
  • Blue Cross of Idaho
  • Cigna
  • Community Health Plan of Wash.
  • Coordinated Care/Cenpatico
  • First Choice Health Ntwk (FCHN)
  • GEHA (Aetna)
  • Group Health/Kaiser
  • Health Net Federal Svcs (HNFS)
  • ID Medicaid/Optum Idaho
  • L&I/Crime Victims
  • Medicare WA
  • Molina Washington
  • Premera
  • Regence of ID
  • RR Medicare
  • TriWest VAPC3
  • United Healthcare (UHC Optum)
  • WA Medicaid - Providerone

 

Non-Contracted or Other Insurance Carriers

We are willing to bill any insurance for you. However we are not contracted with all of the insurance companies. This means that you may be responsible for more of your bill.

Co-pays or co-insurance payments are expected at the time of service. We do expect some payment at each visit. For your convenience, we do take Master Card and Visa.

If you have questions regarding your bill, please call our billing office and they will be happy to help you.

 

Patients Without Insurance Coverage

We offer a 20% discount for patients that do not have insurance and pay their bill at the time of service. Payment plans are available if you are unable to pay in full.

 

Questions?
Please contact our Patient Financial Services team:

 795 SE Bishop Blvd.
Pullman, WA 99163 
Phone: (509) 332-1163
Email: billing@pullmanregional.org

Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Saturdays & Sundays

 

To pay your bill please visit our Patient Financial Services website or call our team at (509) 332-1163.

We ask that you give us three business days to process your prescription refill request.  In order to expedite this process, please contact your pharmacy to have them fax us a refill request.

If your prescription is a controlled substance and you typically drop off a hardcopy prescription to your pharmacy, please call our office at (509) 332-2517 or send us a message through your MyChart account.  For these prescriptions, we ask that you give us five business days to process your request.  We will notify you when this is ready for pick-up or we can mail it directly to your pharmacy.

Related Links:

Thank you for choosing Palouse Medical for your healthcare needs. Our goal is to improve the health of our patients by providing appropriate, high-quality, comprehensive care to you and your family.

As a new patient, we will ask you for several pieces of information upon check-in:

  • Government-Issued Photo ID
  • Current Health Insurance Card - Please note that all co-payments are expected at the time of service. If you do not have insurance, please contact our office so that we may discuss payment arrangements with you.

As a new patient, you will be asked to arrive fifteen minutes ahead of your appointment to ensure that we can complete your check-in process and all necessary paperwork. 

 

Location | Contact Us

Palouse Medical

 

 

Not one patient is more important than another. They have ready care for situations that happen abruptly.
ALora Largent

I've been going to Palouse Medical for years. I love them!

Ofelia Mendez

Highly recommend Palouse Medical. Very thankful for their services. Doctors, staff and medical support are outstanding; they go above and beyond. My entire family has been coming here for years. Thank you Palouse Medical.

T. Wagoner
Great hospital, friendly staff, glad to have such a wonderful health care facility local.
Carl K.