Bay Area Medical Center (BAMC) is a 99-bed non-profit acute care hospital located in Marinette, Wisconsin, now operating as Aurora Medical Center Bay Area under the Aurora Health Care network. Situated at 3003 University Drive on 91 acres of wooded surroundings, the hospital serves over 60,000 residents across Marinette County, Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan. The facility functions as the sole primary and secondary care hospital in its market, providing a full spectrum of emergency, surgical, cardiac, cancer, and specialty services to Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Bay Area Medical Center Overview
Bay Area Medical Center is a DNV-accredited, 99-bed acute care hospital in Marinette, WI, operating as Aurora Medical Center Bay Area and providing emergency, cancer, cardiac, orthopedic, surgical, and women’s health services to the Marinette-Menominee bi-state community.
The current facility opened in August 2018 after a complete rebuild, replacing the original BAMC campus with a purpose-designed healing environment developed with input from staff, providers, and the surrounding community. Every patient room is private, with natural lighting and family lounge space including pull-out couches to keep family members close during recovery. Aurora Health Care, BAMC’s parent network, serves more than 1.2 million patients annually across 15 hospitals and 159 clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. According to U.S. News and World Reports, Aurora Medical Center Bay Area earns a high-performing rating in select adult procedures and conditions, with 89% of patients willing to recommend the hospital.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Bay Area Medical Center (Aurora Medical Center Bay Area) |
| Type | Non-Profit, Acute Care, Medicare Certified |
| Address | 3003 University Dr, Marinette, WI 54143 |
| Phone | 715-735-4200 |
| Beds | 99 licensed beds |
| Network | Aurora Health Care / Advocate Health |
| Accreditation | DNV Healthcare (through 2026); Joint Commission (2015) |
| CMS Quality Rating | 4 out of 5 stars |
| Trauma Designation | Level III Trauma Center |
| Stroke Certification | Certified Acute Stroke Ready Hospital |
| Facility Opened | August 2018 (current campus) |
History of Bay Area Medical Center
Bay Area Medical Center was formally established in 1985, though its origins trace back to the late 1800s when both Marinette, Wisconsin and Menominee, Michigan operated their own independent community hospitals.
The founding history of BAMC reflects a consistent pattern of community institutions adapting to serve regional healthcare needs. In the late 19th century, Marinette and Menominee each maintained separate hospitals. Over time, consolidation efforts created a unified facility to better serve the bi-state population along the Menominee River. Bay Area Medical Center was formally created in 1985, merging resources to build a more capable regional institution. On October 1, 2000, BellinHealth of Green Bay and BAMC formed a joint venture called NorthReach Healthcare, uniting 10 local primary care clinics in Marinette and Menominee counties to preserve and enhance community-level access. NorthReach Healthcare grew into the largest primary care physician group in the area. BAMC subsequently joined the Aurora Health Care network, and in August 2018 opened its entirely rebuilt 91-acre campus under the Aurora Medical Center Bay Area name.
Emergency Care and Trauma Services
Aurora Medical Center Bay Area operates a 24-hour, Level III trauma-designated emergency department serving Northeastern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with paramedic ambulance service covering two counties and helicopter landing zone capability.
The emergency department operates every day of the year, including holidays, with no interruption in coverage. The hospital holds Level III trauma center designation, enabling it to handle a broad range of trauma cases that do not require the resources of a Level I or II center, and to stabilize and transfer higher-acuity trauma patients as needed. The hospital additionally holds certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, reflecting protocols and equipment to deliver rapid stroke evaluation and treatment. Four advanced life support ambulances provide paramedic-level service across two counties, and the hospital supports more than a dozen volunteer rescue squads in the surrounding region. A dedicated helicopter landing zone extends the facility’s reach for air medical transport when required. According to the American Heart Association, certified stroke-ready hospitals reduce time-to-treatment metrics that directly affect patient neurological outcomes.
Medical Specialties and Clinical Services
Bay Area Medical Center offers a broad range of specialties spanning cardiac health, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, women’s health, digestive services, pain management, and primary care across family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Aurora BayCare Cardiology operates a dedicated clinic within the hospital, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and vascular disease. Orthopedic services fall under BayCare Orthopedic Consultants, a multi-specialty group performing both outpatient consultations and inpatient procedures at the hospital daily. The Bay Area Mobility Center in Marinette and satellite orthopedic and physical therapy clinics in Crivitz and Stephenson extend rehabilitation access into the surrounding rural communities. Neurology services include diagnostic capabilities to identify and manage neurological conditions and prevent long-term disability. Primary care services encompass family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics delivered by Aurora-affiliated physicians.
- Cardiology and Vascular Care (Aurora BayCare Cardiology)
- Oncology and Cancer Treatment
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (BayCare Orthopedic Consultants)
- Neurology
- Women’s Health and OB/GYN
- Digestive and GI Services
- Pain Management
- Primary Care: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
- Wound Care
- Ambulatory and Vascular Surgery
- Pharmacy Services
- Spiritual Care
Cancer Center
The Aurora Medical Center Bay Area cancer center provides oncology care in a dedicated healing environment, with staff experienced in supporting patients through the physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of cancer treatment.
The cancer center team operates with the understanding that a cancer diagnosis involves more than medical treatment. Staff members focus on creating a warm, encouraging setting for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and other oncology protocols. The center provides external beam radiation therapy, which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notes is used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors with well-established evidence supporting its effectiveness. A multidisciplinary approach coordinates oncologists, nurses, and support staff to deliver consistent, patient-centered care. Patients and families can access spiritual care, chaplaincy services, and community referrals through the hospital’s integrated pastoral and social support programs. Nearby, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis offers a nationally ranked cancer program for patients requiring tertiary oncology resources.
Surgical Services
Bay Area Medical Center’s Center for Outpatient Surgery delivers ambulatory surgical procedures using modern techniques, with overnight observation stays and presurgical services available for patients requiring additional monitoring.
The surgical program covers ambulatory surgery, vascular surgery, and general surgical procedures. Presurgical services prepare patients with education, lab work, and anesthesia consultations before their scheduled procedures. Overnight observation stays are available for patients who do not require full inpatient admission but benefit from post-procedure monitoring. Blood transfusion and IV therapy support are also available through the Center for Outpatient Surgery. The Aurora eICU electronic intensive care service connects patients to critical care specialists remotely, providing a layer of monitoring for vulnerable patients that extends clinical oversight beyond what on-site staffing alone can deliver.
Women’s Health and Birthing Center
The Women’s Health Center at Bay Area Medical Center delivers comprehensive services across all life stages, including 3D digital mammography, obstetrics with five private labor and delivery suites, a dedicated C-section suite, osteoporosis screening, and incontinence treatment.
The OB department was designed to support the full birth experience in a private, comfortable setting. Each labor and delivery suite includes a fold-out couch, microwave, refrigerator, and spa shower to accommodate patients and support persons. A dedicated C-section operating room adjacent to the birthing center ensures rapid response when surgical delivery is necessary, followed by three post-delivery recovery rooms. The entrance and exit of the OB unit are access-controlled and staff-managed for patient and newborn security. The Women’s Health Center additionally offers 3D digital mammography for improved breast cancer detection, bladder health and incontinence treatment, and osteoporosis screening programs. Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine supports the use of 3D mammography in improving detection rates compared to conventional 2D imaging in dense breast tissue.
Rehabilitation and Home Health
Bay Area Medical Center supports physical and occupational therapy through the Bay Area Mobility Center and satellite locations, and extends post-discharge care through the Aurora Health at Home program for patients recovering from surgery or managing chronic illness.
The Bay Area Mobility Center in Marinette operates as the primary rehabilitation hub, with physical and occupational therapists working closely with orthopedic and surgical physicians to guide recovery. Satellite therapy clinics in Crivitz and Stephenson extend rehabilitation access across the rural surrounding area. Aurora Health at Home provides home-based care for patients who have been hospitalized, had surgery, or manage multiple health conditions, allowing recovery to continue safely without extended facility stays. Wound care services at the hospital address chronic non-healing wounds through infection management, nutritional support, and advanced wound treatment modalities. Patients seeking additional comparison can review Alton Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitation programs as a regional reference point for acute care rehabilitation services.
Accreditation, Quality, and Patient Experience
Bay Area Medical Center holds DNV Healthcare accreditation through 2026, a 4-star CMS quality rating, Level III trauma designation, Acute Stroke Ready certification, and a U.S. News high-performing rating in select adult procedures.
BAMC first earned Joint Commission full accreditation in 2015, and subsequently transitioned to DNV Healthcare accreditation, which remains active through September 2026. DNV accreditation aligns hospital quality systems with ISO 9001 standards, adding a management quality framework to the traditional patient safety model. The CMS 4-star rating reflects performance across clinical outcomes, safety, and patient experience measures. U.S. News rates 89% of Bay Area Medical Center patients as willing to recommend the hospital, a strong patient satisfaction indicator for a community-based facility. The hospital participates in Aurora’s network of over 400 active clinical trials, supporting access to research-backed treatments for patients in the Marinette-Menominee region. Patients can also explore Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital for a comparison of Aurora-affiliated and specialty hospital accreditation standards.
Insurance, Billing, and Financial Assistance
Bay Area Medical Center accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, with financial assistance programs, cost estimate tools, and transparent price lists available to patients through the Aurora Health Care billing portal.
Aurora Health Care provides a price transparency tool and cost estimation service online, allowing patients to review standard charges and estimate their out-of-pocket costs before receiving care. Financial assistance eligibility can be reviewed through the billing department for qualifying patients who face difficulty covering healthcare expenses. Patients can access billing support, medical records, and LiveWell account management through Aurora’s digital patient portal. Pharmacy services at the hospital are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for prescription fills and medication consultations.
Why Patients Choose Bay Area Medical Center
Bay Area Medical Center combines the clinical breadth of an Aurora Health Care network hospital with Level III trauma designation, Acute Stroke Ready certification, DNV accreditation, a rebuilt modern facility, and 89% patient recommendation rates, all serving a bi-state rural region with no competing acute care hospital.
As the sole primary and secondary care hospital serving Marinette County, WI and Menominee County, MI, BAMC provides a level of specialty access that would otherwise require long travel distances for the region’s 60,000-plus residents. The 2018 facility rebuild ensures patients receive care in a modern, purpose-built environment with private rooms, natural lighting, and family-accommodating design. The combination of a 4-star CMS rating, high patient recommendation scores, and active participation in Aurora’s clinical research network gives patients confidence in both care quality and access to current evidence-based treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Bay Area Medical Center?
The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. Pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Outpatient clinic hours vary by department.
Does Bay Area Medical Center accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes, Bay Area Medical Center (Aurora Medical Center Bay Area) is Medicare certified and accepts Medicaid. The hospital also accepts private insurance and offers financial assistance for qualifying patients.
How do I schedule an appointment at Bay Area Medical Center?
Call 715-735-4200 or schedule online through the Aurora Health Care patient portal. Aurora BayCare specialty clinics can also be reached directly through the main Aurora Health Care scheduling line.
What trauma level is Bay Area Medical Center?
Bay Area Medical Center holds Level III trauma center designation and is certified as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, with 24-hour emergency coverage and four ALS ambulances serving two counties.
Is Bay Area Medical Center accredited?
Yes, the hospital holds DNV Healthcare accreditation through September 2026. It previously earned Joint Commission full accreditation in 2015. CMS rates the facility 4 out of 5 stars for overall quality.
Where is Bay Area Medical Center located?
Bay Area Medical Center is located at 3003 University Dr, Marinette, WI 54143. The current facility opened in August 2018 on 91 acres of wooded surroundings in Northeastern Wisconsin.
Does Bay Area Medical Center offer cancer treatment?
Yes, the hospital operates a dedicated cancer center providing oncology care including radiation therapy in a purpose-built healing environment with experienced, multidisciplinary oncology staff.
