- Family Medicine
- April 15, 2020
Bluestem Health Family Practice Changes: Coronavirus Pandemic
During this unprecedented time of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we find it necessary to make some changes at our family medicine practices to keep our healthy patients healthy.
11 min read

Bluestem Health in Lincoln, Nebraska has four family medicine practices to help you and your family stay healthy. Bluestem Health offers an integrated and comprehensive service delivery system to provide family medicine, dental, and behavioral health care services that are client-driven, culturally sensitive, and family-focused. During this unprecedented time of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we find it necessary to make some changes at our family medicine practices to keep our healthy patients healthy.
FAMILY PRACTICE PROVIDERS REASSIGNED TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS
Some of our providers have been reassigned to work at different Bluestem Health family practice locations. Dr. Charles Kreshel, our longtime family medicine doctor, is now seeing healthy patients at Health 360, located at 2301 O Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sarah Grady, PA-C from the Kreshel clinic and Caitlin Neukirch, PA-C are also at Health 360.
We have assigned the Bluestem Health Kreshel family practice clinic as our location where all of the sick patients with COVID-19 symptoms are being seen by Teresa (Buffy) Lewis-Hunt, APRN-NP and Horacio Alvarez Ramirez, MD. The Kreshel clinic is located at 3100 N. 14th Street in Lincoln.
Trishia Frost, APRN-NP is now treating patients at the Bluestem Health Thompson family practice clinic located at 2222 S. 16th Street, Suite 435 in Lincoln.
John Grandgenett, APRN-NP, Tony Cox, PA-C, and Samantha Lefebvre, DNP, NP-C have moved to Bluestem Health’s Main clinic at 1021 N. 27th Street in Lincoln.
Our other Bluestem Health family medicine providers remain at their designated locations.
Please know that all of our family practice providers and family practice physicians care about the health of you and your family. Once COVID-19 comes to an end, we expect providers will return to their family practice clinic where they practiced prior to the pandemic.
NEW SATURDAY PEDIATRIC CLINIC
The well being of our pediatric patients is a top priority. In order to keep them safe, we have implemented a Saturday Clinic. Pediatricians Dr. Erica Peterson and Dr. Humaira Qasimyar are experts in providing pediatric and family medicine and always look forward to caring for our young patients.
BLUESTEM HEALTH PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY MEDICINE SERVICES
We know this is a challenging time for everyone as we work diligently to keep our patients healthy and safe and care for those who are ill. During COVID-19, we are able to offer many of the services that we have in the past.
Family Medicine: We offer physical exams, immunizations, preventive medicine, and chronic disease management. During COVID-19, we ask that:
- If you have a fever and cough, please call the clinic location first and one of our team members will help you determine the next step or whether you need to schedule an appointment. Do not walk into the clinic with these symptoms.
- We will continue to call and screen all patients via phone ONE business day prior to their appointment. Schedules will continue with reduced patient volume and providers will be rescheduling high-risk patients as they feel necessary.
- If you are healthy and have an appointment for a well-child check or physical, please call to reschedule it for May, June, or July.
Dental Care: During COVID-19, we are only providing emergency dental care. Call (402) 476-1640 for dental emergencies. Emergencies include:
- Injury to the mouth
- Swelling to the face or mouth
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- Mouth pain not controlled by over-the-counter pain medication
Behavioral Health: Our behavioral health consultants work in conjunction with our medical team to help with mental health, addiction, and substance abuse issues.
All of our providers are here for you, and we are committed to providing the highest level of care that we can while the U.S. is working to contain the Coronavirus.
Family Practice Providers
Horacio Alvarez Ramirez, MD, Family Medicine
Bich Chau, MD, Family Medicine
Michael Israel, MD, Family Medicine
Charles Kreshel, MD, Family Medicine
Erica Peterson, MD, Pediatrics
Debra Placek, MD, OB/GYN
Humaira Qasimyar, MD, Pediatrics
Anthony Cox, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Marissa Ebel, APRN-NP, Family Nurse Practitioner
Trishia Frost, APRN-NP, Family Nurse Practitioner
Arianne Gesell, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Sarah Grady, PA-C, Physician Assistant
John Grandgenett, APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner
Mary Hofferber, APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner
Samantha Lefebvre, DNP, NP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Buffy Lewis-Hunt, APRN-NP, Family Nurse Practitioner
Caitlin Neukirch, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Michele Overhalser, APRN-NP, Family Medicine Practitioner
Nicole Wilford, APRN-NP, Family Medicine Practitioner
Behavioral Health Providers
Brenda Merideth, LIMHP, MSW
Heather Nielsen, APRN
Shay Piel, PLICSW
Heather Swezey, LIMHP
Dental Providers
Layusiana Ciobanu, DDS
John Kuvetakis, DDS
Wendy Ohnoutka, RDH Dental Hygienist
Alyssia Cassias, RDH, Dental Hygienist
Tomasa Aljanabi, RDH, Dental Hygienist
Cynthia Carlson, RDH, Dental Hygienist
As always, Bluestem Health in Lincoln, Nebraska is here to see patients who need immediate care while also keeping availability open for healthy, elderly or immunocompromised, children, and pregnant patients.
Continue reading

- Patient Support Services
- May 12, 2025
Bluestem Health’s Sliding Fee Discount Program Helps Cover Medical Expenses
We believe everyone deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of financial situation. One of the ways we make that possible is through our Sliding Fee Discount Program.

- Behavioral Health
- May 12, 2025
How Can I Recognize Signs of Alcohol Misuse?
It can be difficult to talk about alcohol misuse but we believe that recovery is always possible, and no one should face it alone. If you’re ready to take the first step, we’re here to support you.

- Health & Wellness
- March 19, 2025
Food Connects Us and Shapes Every Stage of Life
Healthy eating is vital at every stage of life. By making mindful food choices and fostering a culture of healthy eating, you can improve your overall well-being and build a foundation for a healthier future.