If you live anywhere near Cass County, you've probably driven past that modern building on 15th Street a thousand times. Maybe you just call it "the doctor’s office" or simply the Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic. But honestly, there’s a lot more happening inside those walls than just flu shots and physicals.
Most people think it's just a small-town branch of the hospital in Rushville. While it is a Rural Health Clinic under the Sarah D. Culbertson Memorial Hospital umbrella, its origin story is pure Beardstown pride. Back in 2011, this place didn't exist. It took a massive collaboration between the city, the hospital, and a very generous local named Elmer Hugh Taylor to get the doors open.
Fast forward to 2026, and it's basically the nerve center for healthcare in the river valley.
Why the Taylor Clinic Beardstown IL Matters Right Now
Finding a doctor who actually knows your name—and your kids' names—is getting harder. That’s the "kinda" magic of a rural health clinic. At the Taylor Clinic Beardstown IL, the staff-to-patient vibe is different. It’s not a corporate assembly line.
👉 See also: The Real Benefits of Not Drinking Alcohol Timeline: What Your Body Actually Does
One big misconception? That you have to wait weeks for an appointment. Actually, the clinic operates a dedicated Walk-in Clinic for those "oh no" moments. We’re talking earaches, minor cuts, or that weird rash you found after a weekend in the woods. You don't need to be an established patient to use the walk-in services.
They’ve also stepped up their game with specialized care that you wouldn't necessarily expect in a town of 6,000 people.
- Pediatrics: They see everyone from newborns up to 21-year-olds.
- Mental Health: Cathy Rigg, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), handles counseling on-site.
- Internal Medicine: Dr. Carlos Urdininea Kirkwood brings a heavy-hitting background in nephrology and hypertension.
- Prenatal Care: Dr. Deseray Aguirre offers a holistic approach for moms-to-be.
It’s pretty rare for a small clinic to have this kind of range. Usually, you’d have to trek over to Springfield or Jacksonville for specialized kidney care or behavioral health support.
Breaking Down the Services (No Fluff)
Let’s get real about what they actually do. It's not just "check-ups." They handle the nitty-gritty of chronic disease management. If you’re dealing with Type 2 diabetes or chronic high blood pressure, they aren't just handing you a pill and saying "good luck."
The clinic integrates lab work and radiology right on-site. This is huge. Nobody wants to get a blood draw at one place and then drive twenty miles for an X-ray. At Taylor Clinic, you can get your thyroid tested, your A1C checked, or even minor procedures like lesion removals or stitches done under one roof.
The Providers You’ll Actually See
It’s not some rotating door of strangers. You’ve got steady faces like Sarah Roegge and Alexis Murk (DNP-FNP). Recently, the addition of Dr. Deseray Aguirre has been a game-changer for women’s health in the area. She’s an osteopathic physician, which means she looks at how the whole body works together, not just the symptoms.
And for the parents? Courtney Elliott is the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who basically sees every kid in the school district at some point.
The Practical Stuff You Need to Know
The address is 100 West 15th Street, Beardstown, IL 62618.
If you're trying to call them, the main line is (217) 323-2245.
Office Hours (They vary, so pay attention):
Family practice usually starts early, around 7:30 a.m., which is a lifesaver if you're trying to get a visit in before work. They stay open until 6:30 p.m. most nights, but Friday they wrap up a bit earlier at 5:30 p.m.
✨ Don't miss: Diagram of Skin Labeled: What Your Anatomy Teacher Probably Skipped
The Walk-in Clinic generally runs Monday through Wednesday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is the spot for acute issues—the stuff that hurts now but isn't quite "Emergency Room" bad.
Insurance and the "Rural Health" Catch
Because this is a Rural Health Clinic (RHC), the billing might look a little different than a standard private practice. They accept most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.
One thing people forget: bring your ID and insurance card every single time. Even if they know you. It’s a regulatory thing, and it saves you a headache with the billing department later.
What Really Happened During the Expansion?
There’s been some confusion about the "Respiratory Clinic" that popped up a while back. That was a specific joint venture with Memorial Health System and the Cass County Health Department. While it served a specific purpose during the peak of the pandemic, it showed that the Taylor Clinic is the go-to facility when the community needs a rapid response.
The building itself is about 9,500 square feet of modern tech hidden inside a modest brick exterior. It was built to last, and honestly, it’s one of the few places in town where the infrastructure is actually ahead of the curve.
Misconceptions Worth Clearing Up
Some folks think the Taylor Clinic is the same thing as the Cass County Health Department. Nope. The Health Department is over on Wall Street. While they work together on things like public health crises, the Taylor Clinic is a primary care facility. It's where you go for your "medical home."
Another thing: people worry that because it's a "rural" clinic, they won't have the latest equipment. That’s just not true. Between the connection to Culbertson Memorial and the local investment, the lab and imaging tech here is identical to what you’d find in a bigger city.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head over, here is the smart way to do it.
1. Use the Portal: If you’re a regular, get on the patient portal. It’s way faster for checking lab results than waiting for a phone call.
2. The 7:30 AM Slot: These are the "golden hours." If you can snag one of the early morning family practice slots, you’re usually in and out before the mid-day rush hits.
3. Walk-in Strategy: If you're using the walk-in clinic, try to avoid the 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. window. That's when the lunch-break crowd descends.
4. Specialist Referrals: Don't assume you have to go to Springfield for everything. Ask the providers at Taylor Clinic if they can handle it in-house first. You might be surprised.
Ultimately, the Taylor Clinic Beardstown IL isn't just a building. It's a resource that keeps a small town from having to rely on an hour-long drive for basic human needs. It’s worth knowing how to use it right.
Next Steps for Patients:
Check your current insurance provider list to ensure Elmer Hugh Taylor Clinic is listed as "In-Network" to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs. If you need immediate care for a non-emergency, arrive at the 15th Street location before 10:00 a.m. for the shortest wait times at the Walk-in Clinic. For new patient registration or to schedule a specialized consult with Dr. Aguirre or Dr. Kirkwood, call the registration desk directly at (217) 323-2245.