Ascension Illinois Announces Significant Investment in Primary Care Expansion Across Northwest Suburbs
Ascension Illinois is undertaking a substantial initiative to expand access to primary care services for families, adults, and children in Chicago's northwest suburbs. The health system plans to add 14 new primary care providers in 2026 across various locations, including Palatine, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Bartlett, and Elgin. This expansion directly addresses a long-standing primary care shortage in Illinois. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois will require an additional 1,063 primary care physicians by 2030 to maintain 2010 service rates. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Bureau of Health Workforce Health Resources and Services Administration reports that over four million Illinoisans reside in primary care 'health professional shortage areas.' Dr. Reinhold Llerena, Chief Medical Officer for Ascension Medical Group Illinois, emphasized the organization's commitment to fulfilling these community needs. Ascension Med...
