Freeman Neosho Physician Group Welcomes Melissa Johnston, FNP

Neosho, Mo. – Freeman Health System welcomes family nurse practitioner Melissa Johnston to Freeman Neosho Physician Group. Her advanced training allows her to diagnose and treat illness. Collaborating with physicians, family nurse practitioners perform many services commonly associated with primary care, e.g., treating injuries, prescribing medication, therapy, ordering lab tests, and providing referrals to physicians and specialists.

“I love caring for people of all ages,” said Melissa Johnston, Freeman Neosho Physician Group Nurse Practitioner. “Choosing this career path enables me to provide care that focuses on the patient as a whole, not just the person’s illness or injury.”

A veteran of the Gulf War, Johnston has nine years of active and reserve duty in the Army. She graduated from Carl Junction High School and began her career as a certified nursing assistant. She graduated with her associate’s degree in nursing from Crowder College, Neosho, bachelor’s in nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and master’s in nursing from Pittsburg State University. 

Johnston is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is currently secretary for 4 State APN, a group of nurse practitioners in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas who meet to discuss the latest issues affecting advanced practice nurses.

“As we continue to add providers to Freeman Neosho Physician Group to meet the need of our community, Melissa is a natural fit,” said Renee Denton, Freeman Neosho Hospital Chief Operating Officer. “We have received overwhelming positive reception from patients she has treated. We appreciate her enthusiasm and dedication.”

Johnston is currently operating at 336 S. Jefferson St. in Neosho. Appointments can be made by calling 417.347.4200.

Freeman Health System – Celebrating 90 Years of Service
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2014, Freeman earned 90 individual awards for medical excellence and safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report ranked Freeman #1 Hospital in Southwest Missouri in 2014-15, and The Leapfrog Group gave Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2014 Hospital Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 60 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart and vascular care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com or facebook.com/freemanhealthsystem or follow Freeman President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker at twitter.com/freemanceo. #FreemanTurns90