Freeman Health System Provides Update on One Call Patient Access Initiative
Joplin, MO – Freeman Health System is providing an update on its recently launched One Call patient access initiative, a centralized scheduling and call center model designed to simplify how patients, providers, and community partners connect with Freeman services.
Serving patients throughout the Joplin and Neosho communities, One Call was established to create a single point of contact for appointment scheduling, referral coordination, and access to services across the health system. The new model simplifies access to healthcare by reducing the need to navigate multiple phone numbers, departments, and scheduling processes. Launched on July 1, One Call is intended to improve consistency, streamline communication, and enhance the overall patient experience.
“One Call represents another important step in Freeman’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and service,” said Renee Denton, President of Freeman’s Missouri and Kansas Markets. “By centralizing scheduling and call center operations, we are making it easier for patients to access are while improving efficiently and consistency across our organization.”
The implementation of One Call also serves as a foundational step in Freeman Health System’s ongoing preparation for the future launch of Epic, the organization’s new electronic medical record (EMR) platform set to go live October 2026.
Freeman has received feedback regarding longer-than-expected wait times and call routing challenges experienced by some patients and provider offices. As with any significant operational change, however, refinements are being made based on real-world use and stakeholder feedback. The organization acknowledges those concerns and is actively implementing improvements.
“We understand some patients and referring providers have experienced frustration during the early stages of this transition, and we take that feedback seriously,” shared Denton. “We are listening, evaluating what we’ve learned, and making adjustments to improve the experience. Our goal is to ensure patients can access care as efficiently as possible.”
Freeman teams continue to review call volumes, routing patterns, staffing levels, and system performance to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure the service meets the needs of patients, providers, and community partners.
“Our commitment is, and always will be, providing exceptional care and service,” Denton said. “We appreciate the patience and feedback we’ve received as we continue strengthening this process. Every comment helps us build a better experience for the people who rely on us for care.”
Several improvements have already been implemented, and additional enhancements are underway as Freeman continues to refine the process and improve response times.
While transitions of this scale can present challenges, One Call remains an important investment in improving access, coordination, and communication across the health system. Freeman remains committed to listening, learning, and making the adjustments necessary to deliver the level of service patients and providers expect.
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About Freeman Health System
Locally owned and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System is a not-for-profit health system serving communities across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas through a network of hospitals, physician clinics, outpatient locations, and specialty services. The system includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, and the Freeman Health System facilities in Bentonville, Springdale, Willow Creek, and Siloam Springs. Freeman Health System also operates Ozark Center—the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, and offers comprehensive cancer, cardiology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, and women’s and children’s services. The system is supported by more than 7,000 employees and is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit Freeman Health System