T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY
Pictured is the exterior of the Primary Health Care Marshalltown Clinic at 101 Iowa Ave. W. Ste. 102.
Beginning in 2023, Primary Health Care Marshalltown (PHCM) was the third major health care provider to relocate to and significantly invest in Marshalltown’s south side – joining McFarland Clinic and UnityPoint Health.
PHC moved to 101 Iowa Ave. W., Suite 102 in spring 2023, said Stephany Balow of PHC. Renovations to prepare the space began in 2022.
Prior to this move, PHC’s medical and dental clinics operated in separate locations in Marshalltown for many years. The medical clinic first opened in 2001, followed by the dental clinic in 2005.
“Bringing services together into one modern, shared facility allowed PHC to better integrate care, improve coordination between providers, and create a more convenient experience for patients and families,” she said.
Services available include family medicine and primary care; pediatric care; behavioral health services; dental services; family planning services; medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals seeking help with opioid or substance use disorder and on-site pharmacy pick-up.
The full-time clinical team includes two physicians; one physician assistant; two nurse practitioners; one behavioral health practitioner; one registered nurse; one licensed practical nurse; one dentist and two dental hygienists.
Those providers are supported by six medical assistants – including limited radiologic technician support; three dental assistants; five patient access representatives; one patient services specialist; one family support worker; one interpreter; one family planning program manager and one clinic director.
This team-based structure allows PHC-Marshalltown to deliver coordinated, comprehensive care in one location, improving access and continuity for patients and families.
This model improves communication between care teams, reduces barriers such as transportation, and makes it easier for patients and families to receive coordinated care in one visit when appropriate.
In the past 12 months, PHC-Marshalltown welcomed the following providers:
• Dr. Patricia Fasbender, MD — family practice physician (joined August 2025); and
• Faiza Ibrahim, PA-C — (joined February 2026).
“These additions have strengthened access to primary care services and expanded appointment availability for patients in the Marshalltown community,” said Barlow.
Similar to its southside competitors, PHCM is active serving patients across several disciplines.
In 2025, PHCM provided 19,787 patient visits and served 6,841 unique patients across medical, women’s health, behavioral health, and dental services.
Behavioral health services experienced significant growth year over year, with visits increasing from 893 in 2024 to 1,342 in 2025. The number of patients accessing behavioral health care also increased, reflecting expanded access to integrated mental health and substance use treatment services in the Marshalltown community.
Because services are co-located, patients can receive coordinated care between medical, dental, and behavioral health providers in one convenient setting, improving continuity and access to care.
PHCM is open to the public.
“We serve individuals and families across Marshall County and surrounding communities,” said Balow.
Affordable Care Act premium increase impact
Recent changes to insurance premiums and Medicaid eligibility have created uncertainty for many patients statewide, said Balow.
PHC continues to accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance plans. For individuals who qualify, we offer a sliding fee scale based on household size and income.
“Our mission remains focused on ensuring access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of insurance status,” said Balow.
PHC-Marshalltown operates as part of Primary Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Funding sources include Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement; private insurance payments; federal Section 330 grant funding; 340B pharmacy program revenue and private donations and grants.
“Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible, connected, and patient-centered for the Marshalltown community,” said Balow.
Medical Clinic Hours are Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information contact the main clinic at 641-753-4021. Pharmacy telephone: 641- 717-1023. Website: www.phciowa.org/locations/marshalltown.
Primary Health Care in Marshalltown offers a range of services designed to support the whole health of the …