Growing up in Wilber, Nebraska, Dr. Kreshel’s interest in biological sciences in school and the variety in ages of patients attracted him to the medical field and to become a Family Medicine physician.Dr. Kreshel earned his Medical Degree from The New Jersey Medical School, College of Medicine and Dentistry, known today as Rutgers University. In 1985, he joined a Lincoln family practice, and then in 1991, he opened North Lincoln Family Medical Center. In April 2019, Dr. Kreshel’s clinic became part of the Bluestem Health organization and was renamed Bluestem Health Kreshel Clinic in honor of his contributions to the community.

On a typical day, Dr. Kreshel cares for patients with chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. He also provides obstetric care, performs well checks, and treats the seasonal health issues of influenza and colds. Occasionally, he will treat patients with orthopedic injuries.

Dr. Kreshel especially enjoys the relationships he has developed over the years with his patients and staff. “I just really like taking care of patients,” Dr. Kreshel said. “I’ve been in the same location since 1985, so I’ve treated some of my patients for 20 years or longer, and generations of their families. Some of the employees have worked here with me for many years, so it’s fun to come to work every day.”

Over the years, Dr. Kreshel has had to coordinate care for patients with more complex health issues, like one of his oncology patients who is also being seen by an endocrinologist. He works closely with the specialist making sure that everyone has all the same information about the patient. He likes that most specialists in Lincoln are good about communicating with referring providers for better continuity of care for the patient. “Today, I refer more patients to specialists because they have more specialized training and access to technology to diagnose and treat diseases,”
Dr. Kreshel added, “That allows me to focus and treat the primary care needs of my patients.”

Some of the greatest challenges family medicine providers like Dr. Kreshel are faced with today involve technology, government regulations, and insurance companies. Technology and access to more services were two of the reasons why Dr. Kreshel looked to Bluestem Health for solutions. “In the case of implementing an Electronic Health Record system, which is beneficial to patients and providers, it was too costly for a clinic my size,” Dr. Kreshel noted, “Bluestem Health had that capability and other key services we didn’t, like discounted fees for patients with no insurance, behavioral health, and pharmacy. They’re invested in Lincoln and in this clinic with the intent to serve all patients.”

In his time away from the clinic, Dr. Kreshel is a big fan of college sports and the NFL, especially when it comes to the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Green Bay Packers.

“I’ve dedicated my life to caring for patients,” Dr. Kreshel said, “It gives me great joy to know that I have treated generations of families over the years. I still get excited about the work I get to do each day, helping people manage their health concerns so that they can enjoy healthy lives.”

Dr. Charles Kreshel sees patients at the Bluestem Health Kreshel Clinic located at 3100 N. 14th Street in Lincoln. To schedule an appointment, call 402-477-6600.