OPHTHALMOLOGIST: SURGERY CENTER IS PLANNED

Dr. Richard L. Kies, Cape Girardeau ophthalmologist, has asked for state approval to build a new office complex that would include an outpatient surgery center.

A hearing is scheduled March 29 for the Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee to make a decision on Kies' Certificate of Need application.

The committee must approve a certificate of need for projects that involve direct patient care services, including acquisition of medical equipment over $400,000; capital expenditures over $600,000; or any addition of long-term care beds.

The projected cost of Kies' office complex is $1 million.

Kies currently operates his solo practice in an office at 1819 Broadway. He has been practicing in Cape Girardeau for 11 years.

He said the current building is too small and does not have adequate parking facilities. Kies has purchased property on Mt. Auburn Road.

"What we are proposing is an office and surgery center combined," Kies said. The office complex would likely include one or two surgical suites. Similar settings are available in St. Louis, Southern Illinois, and Springfield.

Currently, Kies does all his surgeries at the local hospitals. But he said some eye surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis.

Individuals who have an opinion or would like more information concerning the proposal may submit written comments or requests to Chairman, Missouri Health Facilities Review Committee, c/o Certificate of Need Program, P.O. Box 570, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.

Members of the committee are Acting Chairman Susan L. Pettit, St. Louis; A. James Proffitt, Lake St. Louis; Tim Tourville, Springfield; Sen. John Scott, St. Louis; Sen. Marvin Singleton, M.D. Seneca; Rep. Gary Witt, Platte City; and Rep. David Oetting, Concordia.