Introduction
Clear Choice Bremerton is a non‑profit health care organization located in Bremerton, Washington. It operates a comprehensive medical center that provides primary, specialty, and preventive care services to residents of Kitsap County and surrounding communities. Founded in the early 2000s as an expansion of the Clear Choice system that serves multiple Pacific Northwest locations, the Bremerton facility has grown to become a central provider of health services in the region. The organization is dedicated to delivering patient‑centered care through a collaborative approach that integrates medical, behavioral, and community resources.
Location and Demographics
The Clear Choice Bremerton medical center is situated on a 12‑acre campus along the Bremerton waterfront, adjacent to the Bremerton Marine Shipyard and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The facility is easily accessible by major highways, public transit, and bike paths. Bremerton is part of Kitsap County, a region with a population of approximately 250,000 residents. The county's demographic profile includes a mix of military families, retirees, and working professionals, with median household incomes that are slightly below the state average. The health care needs of this population are diverse, ranging from acute care for shipyard workers to chronic disease management for aging veterans.
History and Development
Clear Choice was established in 1995 in Vancouver, Washington, with the mission to provide affordable, high‑quality health care to underserved populations. By 2003, the organization had expanded to include a satellite facility in Bremerton. The initial Bremerton clinic offered primary care and urgent care services and served a rapidly growing workforce associated with the local shipyards. In 2007, the facility was expanded to include a specialty clinic that focused on orthopedics, cardiology, and mental health services, reflecting the occupational health needs of the local population. The organization’s growth was fueled by community partnerships, grant funding, and a commitment to integrating evidence‑based practices into everyday care.
In 2015, Clear Choice Bremerton opened a new four‑story building that housed expanded outpatient services, a dedicated emergency department, and a state‑of‑the‑art surgical suite. This expansion was the result of a multi‑year capital campaign that raised $25 million from donors, community stakeholders, and state health grants. The new building incorporated green technologies, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. The facility’s design emphasizes patient comfort, with spacious waiting areas, private examination rooms, and access to outdoor views of Puget Sound.
Organizational Structure
Clear Choice Bremerton operates under a governance model that includes a Board of Trustees, a Clinical Advisory Council, and a patient and family advisory panel. The Board of Trustees is responsible for fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Clinical Advisory Council, composed of medical directors, nurses, and allied health professionals, provides guidance on clinical protocols and quality improvement initiatives. The patient and family advisory panel represents community voices and ensures that care delivery aligns with patient preferences and cultural values.
The organization’s executive leadership team comprises a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Medical Officer, a Chief Nursing Officer, and a Chief Financial Officer. These leaders coordinate across departments, ensuring that operational efficiency, clinical quality, and financial sustainability are maintained. Clear Choice Bremerton also maintains a comprehensive interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, physical therapists, and mental health counselors.
Services and Programs
Primary Care Services
The primary care department offers comprehensive services for adults, adolescents, and seniors. Patients can access routine checkups, immunizations, chronic disease management, and preventive counseling. The clinic utilizes an electronic health record system that facilitates care coordination across specialties and external providers. Family medicine and internal medicine physicians work in partnership with nurse practitioners to deliver timely, evidence‑based care. The primary care team is supported by health educators who provide lifestyle counseling and community health education workshops.
Specialty Care Services
Clear Choice Bremerton provides a range of specialty services tailored to the occupational and community health needs of the region. Orthopedic care focuses on sports injuries, joint replacement, and rehabilitation for shipyard workers. Cardiovascular services include diagnostic testing, hypertension management, and interventional cardiology procedures. Behavioral health care offers counseling, psychotherapy, and medication management for mental health conditions. The organization also offers women's health services, including gynecology, obstetrics, and reproductive health counseling.
Community Outreach and Education
Clear Choice Bremerton maintains an active community outreach program that addresses health disparities and promotes wellness. Outreach initiatives include health fairs, school‑based health education, and mobile clinic services in underserved neighborhoods. The organization partners with local schools to provide nutrition education, physical activity programs, and substance abuse prevention workshops. Outreach efforts also extend to veterans’ groups, providing tailored health screenings and mental health support tailored to the unique challenges faced by service members.
Technology and Telehealth
Recognizing the importance of technology in modern health care, Clear Choice Bremerton has implemented a robust telehealth platform that supports virtual visits, remote monitoring, and digital health coaching. Patients can schedule video appointments with primary care providers or specialists, reducing travel barriers and wait times. The telehealth system includes secure messaging, e‑prescriptions, and patient portals that allow patients to access medical records, lab results, and health education resources. The organization also uses remote monitoring devices for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, enabling real‑time data collection and timely interventions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Clear Choice Bremerton campus is designed to accommodate over 400 patients daily. The main building features a 12‑bed emergency department, a 20‑bed observation unit, and a 30‑bed inpatient unit dedicated to surgical recovery and post‑operative care. The surgical suite includes two operating rooms equipped with advanced imaging technology and an in‑suite recovery area. The facility also houses a pharmacy, a radiology department with CT, MRI, and ultrasound capabilities, and a laboratory that offers point‑of‑care testing for rapid diagnosis.
In addition to clinical spaces, the campus provides a range of support facilities. These include a cafeteria offering nutritious meals, a patient lounge with interactive educational kiosks, and a quiet room for mindfulness and relaxation. The building incorporates energy‑efficient HVAC systems, low‑emission lighting, and a green roof that reduces stormwater runoff. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and signage in multiple languages, ensure that the facility meets the needs of all patients.
Funding and Financial Performance
Clear Choice Bremerton operates as a non‑profit entity and relies on a combination of revenue streams to fund its operations. Patient service revenue constitutes the largest portion of the budget, derived from fee‑for‑service encounters, insurance reimbursements, and Medicare/Medicaid payments. The organization also receives subsidies from state and federal health programs, particularly those targeting rural and underserved populations. Additional funding comes from charitable donations, community grants, and corporate sponsorships.
Financial stewardship is overseen by the Board of Trustees and audited annually by an external accounting firm. Over the past decade, the organization has maintained a balanced budget, with operating reserves that cover at least 12 months of expenses. The financial strategy emphasizes cost control through process improvement, technology integration, and staff training. The organization also invests in preventive care initiatives that reduce long‑term health care costs by addressing risk factors early.
Community Impact and Outcomes
Health Outcomes
Clear Choice Bremerton has demonstrated measurable improvements in community health indicators. Since its inception, the organization has reduced hospital readmission rates for chronic disease patients by 15 percent, largely through enhanced care coordination and patient education. Vaccination rates for influenza and pneumococcal disease in the region have increased by 20 percent, reflecting the clinic’s proactive immunization campaigns. Blood pressure control among hypertensive patients has improved, with 60 percent achieving target readings, compared to 45 percent prior to the clinic’s establishment.
Economic Impact
The organization’s presence has a positive economic impact on Bremerton. It employs over 300 full‑time staff, including medical professionals, allied health workers, and support personnel. The facility’s procurement of local goods and services stimulates the regional economy, contributing to business growth in medical supply and home health agencies. The clinic’s investment in infrastructure has also increased property values and attracted new residents seeking high‑quality health services.
Public Health Initiatives
Clear Choice Bremerton actively participates in public health initiatives that address social determinants of health. Programs include mobile vaccination units for uninsured populations, substance abuse counseling for military families, and nutritional assistance for low‑income households. The organization collaborates with the Kitsap County Health Department to monitor emerging infectious diseases, implement vaccination drives, and conduct community health surveys. These efforts enhance public health surveillance and promote preventive care across the region.
Partnerships and Collaborations
The organization maintains strategic partnerships with a range of stakeholders. Partnerships with the Washington State Department of Health facilitate access to state‑funded public health programs and grant opportunities. Collaborations with local universities support research initiatives and provide educational opportunities for medical students and residents. Clear Choice Bremerton also partners with community organizations such as the Bremerton YMCA, local food banks, and veterans’ associations to deliver integrated care that addresses both medical and social needs.
Clear Choice Bremerton’s collaborative model extends to a regional network that includes neighboring health systems and specialty centers. Through shared electronic health records and referral agreements, the organization ensures continuity of care for patients who require specialized services outside its campus. The network also allows for joint purchasing agreements that reduce costs for medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Governance and Leadership
The Board of Trustees comprises 12 members, including community leaders, business executives, and health care professionals. Board members serve staggered three‑year terms, ensuring continuity and fresh perspectives. The organization’s executive leadership team reports directly to the Board and is accountable for operational performance, clinical quality, and financial stewardship. Leadership emphasizes transparent communication, patient satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
Professional development is a core focus of leadership, with ongoing training in clinical guidelines, health informatics, and quality improvement methodologies. Leadership also champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, aiming to reflect the demographics of the community in staff recruitment and service delivery. Regular community forums provide a platform for patient feedback and allow leadership to align organizational priorities with patient needs.
Future Plans and Strategic Vision
Clear Choice Bremerton’s strategic vision centers on expanding access, enhancing care quality, and fostering innovation. Plans include the addition of a behavioral health wing that will offer integrated mental health and substance abuse services within the primary care setting. The organization is also exploring the establishment of a community health worker program to bridge gaps between clinical care and social services.
Technology integration remains a priority, with upcoming investments in artificial intelligence–driven predictive analytics to identify high‑risk patients. The organization is also committed to expanding telehealth services, particularly to reach rural residents on the Kitsap Peninsula who face transportation challenges. Infrastructure projects include the construction of a green building that meets LEED Silver standards, reflecting the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
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