Wyoming Cardiopulmonary proposes diagnostic clinic in Shoshone; outlines $4.4M–$4.8M plan and financing options

Wyoming Cardiopulmonary representatives presented plans to Fremont County commissioners on a proposed diagnostic cardiology clinic in Shoshone, describing a 4-day-per-week outpatient facility they say would provide echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, nuclear stress testing and other diagnostics. The group estimated building costs at roughly $4.4 million to $4.8 million and said it is working with the Wyoming Business Council on potential financing and a challenge loan program.

The proposal matters because county officials and residents have raised concerns about access to specialty medical care in the region. Proponents told commissioners the clinic would reduce wait times for cardiac evaluations now handled in Lander, Riverton and Thermopolis and could anchor additional outpatient services.

"We currently see about 3,000 patients a year," said Jerry, a representative of Wyoming Cardiopulmonary Services and a former interventional cardiologist, who described multi-site coverage the practice currently provides. "We have a wait list of about several hundred patients per month to be evaluated either directly or through their primary care physician." He said the planned Shoshone site would be diagnostic only and not include an on-site catheterization laboratory.

Architect Jared Hoffman presented a site plan showing vehicle access from the highway, a patient drop-off area, roughly 30–34 parking spaces and an interior layout with reception, four receptionists, multiple exam rooms, echo/treadmill rooms and a nuclear lab. The presenters said the town of Shoshone would demolish the existing town hall and remove ancillary structures before construction and that the building would include a basement for future expansion.

On costs and financing, the presenters said the Wyoming Business Council could provide up to 50% of a challenge loan for a qualifying project and that Wyoming Cardiopulmonary would plan to provide a minimum 15% down payment. "We're not asking for money now," Joel (project representative) told the board; "this is to bring it to your attention and to look at information we have currently at work." Commissioners asked about potential state or federal grant opportunities; presenters said they were pursuing federal grant leads and had reached out to state-level grant consultants.

Commissioners and the presenters discussed regulatory and permitting steps that would be required if the project proceeds, including health department licensing, state fire inspections and nuclear shielding and licensing for nuclear cardiology. "For nuclear, thankfully it is fairly streamlined," Jerry said, noting the practice already uses a medical physicist to design shielding and handle documentation. Presenters said clinic operations would be accredited and that they expect diagnostic volumes of about 40–50 patients per day when fully operational.

The presentation also included workforce and local economic notes: presenters said construction would create short-term jobs (12–14 months) using local trades, and that ongoing operations would employ local administrative, maintenance and clinical support staff in addition to visiting specialists. No formal application for county economic development funds or other county financial support was submitted at the meeting. Commissioners asked the group to return with more detailed financing plans if and when they apply to the county for assistance or submit a Wyoming Business Council application.

The discussion was informational only; commissioners did not take action or commit county funds at the meeting. Presenters left contact information and plans for follow-up with county staff and the business council.