Claremore Indian Hospital to End Chiropractic Services Ahead of Cherokee Nation Takeover
Cherokee Nation to Assume Control of Claremore Indian Hospital in October 2025
CLAREMORE, Okla. (Cherokee 411) — The Cherokee Nation is set to take over ownership and operations of Claremore Indian Hospital from the federal government on October 1, 2025, marking a significant transition in healthcare services for Native American patients in the region.
The hospital, currently operated by Indian Health Service (IHS), serves as a primary medical provider for thousands of Cherokee Nation citizens and other Native Americans in northeastern Oklahoma. Claremore Indian Hospital sees tens of thousands of patients annually and employs more than 400 staff members. As part of the transition, the Cherokee Nation Health Services will assume full control of staffing, administration, and patient care.
A Historic Institution
The original Claremore Indian Hospital facility was built in 1929 and opened in 1930. At that time, it was operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) under the Department of the Interior. In July 1955, the Indian Health Service (IHS) separated from the BIA and was placed under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The current facility was opened in 1977 and has been accredited by The Joint Commission since 1978.
The hospital serves a vast area encompassing twelve counties and 7,750 square miles, with an active user population of over fifty-two thousand patients from various tribal memberships. The geographic area counties within the service unit include Craig, Creek, Delaware, Mayes, Nowata, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Ottawa, Rogers, Tulsa, Wagoner, and Washington.
Tribes actively participating on the current tribal advisory board include: Alabama/Quassarte Tribal Town, Cherokee Nation, Delaware Tribe of Indians, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Kialegee Tribal Town, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Miami Nation of Oklahoma, Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma, Osage Tribe of Indians, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma, Shawnee Tribe, Thlopthlocco Tribal Town, United Keetoowah Band, and Wyandotte Nation.
Changes Already Underway
One of the first changes taking effect will be the elimination of the hospital’s chiropractic clinic, which will close on March 31, 2025. Officials have not announced any additional changes at this time, though significant shifts in electronic health records (EHR) and pharmacy formularies are expected.
With the move to Cherokee Nation’s healthcare system, the EHR and medication list will align with those used in other Cherokee Nation hospitals and clinics. A pharmacy formulary determines the medications covered by the health system and will change with the transition to Cherokee Nation’s standards.
Staffing Changes Expected by Mid-2025
While no formal staffing announcements have been made, sources familiar with the transition indicate that federal IHS employees may be impacted as the Cherokee Nation assumes control. An official announcement regarding staff restructuring is expected around July 2025.
Since Claremore Indian Hospital is a federal facility, operated under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Cherokee Nation is expected to replace many federal employees with tribal healthcare workers. However, HHS Secretary Kennedy has previously stated that no wholesale federal cuts to IHS are planned nationwide, suggesting that displaced employees may have opportunities elsewhere within the federal system.
Impact on Patients & the Community
Alternative options exist within the community for patients who previously relied on the hospital’s chiropractic clinic. Dr. Tina Foutz, a Cherokee Nation citizen and chiropractor in Claremore, encourages former patients to seek treatment at her private practice.
"When I heard the chiropractic clinic at Claremore Indian Hospital was being eliminated, I knew I could assist many of those patients," said Dr. Foutz, who has operated her practice in Claremore’s NEMAR Shopping Center for over 25 years.
Patients seeking continued chiropractic care can visit Foutz Chiropractic at:
📍 997 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
📞 (918) 283-2222
The full extent of healthcare changes under Cherokee Nation management remains unclear.
For additional updates, patients are encouraged to contact their Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilmember or the Chief's office.
