Ark Valley News - Wichita physical therapist hopes to grow satellite office in Valley Center

Physical therapist Jay Franz is owner of Premier Physical Therapy, which opened an office in Valley Center last week.

Wichita physical therapist hopes to grow satellite office in Valley Center
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: June 18, 2015

Hoping to reach new clients in north Sedgwick County, Jay Franz has opened a Valley Center satellite office for his Wichita-based Premier Physical Therapy.

He began seeing patients last week at the new location, 1220 S. Meridian, Suite A.

"My goal is a self-sustaining clinic within a year or two," Franz said.

Premier is now accepting patients by appointment only.

"We're having kind of a soft opening," Franz explained, adding that he plans to fully staff the office as the business grows.

Franz, who is from Newton, directed Newton Medical Center's rehabilitation department for six years before running a couple of physical therapy clinics for eight years.

He opened Premier Physical Therapy at 8541 W. 21st North in Wichita nearly six years ago.

"In looking around the Wichita metro area, it seems that the Valley Center, Park City, Kechi and Bel Aire area is underserved from a rehabilitation services standpoint," Franz said.

After surveying orthopedic physicians and receiving advice from colleagues in the medical community, Franz said he decided to open the Valley Center office.

The clinic focuses on outpatient orthopedic physical therapy "from head to toe," Franz said.

Franz and his wife, Monica, have two daughters, who are teachers in the Wichita school district, and a son, who is a college student.

Franz said since 2013 patients no longer need a doctor's referral to see a physical therapist. However, some insurance companies may require one.

The office can be reached at 613-3068.