Cox Barton County Hospital

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Lamar, MO
Cox Barton County Hospital

Cox Barton County Hospital, part of the CoxHealth family, is proud to be recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for three consecutive years.

We are committed to excellence, 5-star patient care, and serving our community. CoxHealth encourages dialogue on its social media pages with the aim of educating, informing, and connecting with our community. Part of these efforts involve discussion of topics on which people have varying opinions and perspectives. In general, viewpoints expressed in the course of these conversations will be allowed. However, there are a number of things we do not allow on posts:

- Obscene or profane language
- Discriminatory comments
- “Spamming” the conversation by making the same or similar points multiple times
- Harassment of specific employees

If posts do not meet these standards, they may be deleted or hidden. In cases of repeated disregard for the code, the user may be banned from the page.

02/19/2026

Cox Barton County Hospital welcomes Dr. Julius Tang, a board-certified general surgeon, to its health care team.

Dr. Tang joins the Medical One Clinic alongside Dr. Michael Steele, strengthening local access to timely, high-quality surgical services for Barton County and surrounding communities.

During his high school years, Dr. Tang discovered a passion for applying knowledge to real-life situations, which naturally led him to medicine.

“Medicine felt like a very rewarding career,” says Dr. Tang. “Being trusted with someone’s care is something I value deeply.”

Dr. Tang completed advanced fellowship training at nationally renowned institutions, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Calif., and Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Fla. During this time, he gained experience caring for patients across many types of surgical needs and often managed cases from diagnosis through recovery. That breadth of practice mirrors rural medicine, where surgeons must be prepared to treat a wide range of conditions.

Dr. Tang believes receiving care locally plays an important role in healing and comfort.

“I want my patients to feel at home,” he says. “Comfort and trust are essential to healing, and I aim to provide both in every interaction.”

This commitment to compassionate care is reflected in his daily approach. Empathy, understanding, and clear communication guide every patient interaction.

“I try to put myself in my patients’ shoes,” says Dr. Tang. “Patients want to resolve their health issues, so they can return to living their lives. My role is to help them accomplish that in the most efficient and supportive way possible.”

Outside of seeing patients, Dr. Tang enjoys spending time outdoors.

“Nothing makes me happier than walking through a forest, breathing fresh air, hearing a running creek and seeing open plains,” Dr. Tang adds.

With his expertise and patient-centered approach, Dr. Tang is part of a surgical team that provides a wide range of procedures including minimally invasive surgery, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, skin and wound care, and endoscopy.

02/17/2026

A legacy of comfort continues, one stitch at a time.

For many years, patients at Cox Barton have been greeted with handmade lap quilts placed on their beds. These quilts serve more than just a decorative purpose; they provide warmth, reassurance, and a reminder that the community cares about them.

Now, a new generation is stepping up to sustain that tradition.

Under the guidance of local 4-H leader Angie Gastel, nine 4-H students from the region have dedicated the past few months to perfecting their quilting skills. Angie assembled quilt kits and patterns, generously imparting her expertise to the students as she taught them how to assemble, sew, and carefully complete each quilt. This initiative transformed into more than merely a crafting session; it turned into a valuable lesson in patience, collaboration, and intertwined creativity.

This week, the students proudly showcased their finished quilts to the hospital, demonstrating the skills they had acquired throughout the process. The presentation also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the devoted community and hospital volunteers who have consistently created lap quilts over the years.

The project was filled with learning and laughter, but it also had a purpose. Every quilt, whether crafted by seasoned hands or first-time creators, will soon adorn a patient’s bed, offering comfort during their hospital stay.

It is a simple yet significant gift.

Thank you to Mary Lyn Hunter Collier, Angie, and so many others in our community for collaborating to uphold the tradition of love, one quilt at a time.

The quilts have their own story to tell. Discover how it all began in the comments.

02/14/2026

Health care is more than appointments; it’s about people, connections, and little moments that make your day.

Per your request, that's why we brought back our conversation hearts.

Every visit, procedure, and call comes from a team who cares. These candy hearts are a delightful way to show the friendly faces behind your care, and maybe make your day a little sweeter.

Happy Valentine's Day ❣️

02/10/2026

For our colleagues, the "You Matter" campaign is a reminder of something simple and true: You matter. You make a difference. You are the heart of CoxHealth.

Ben, a physical therapist, is proudly representing Cox Barton as part of the internal CoxHealth "You Matter" campaign. This initiative highlights team members from across our system and celebrates the people who make CoxHealth a great place to work and receive care.

Ben brings exceptional skills, enthusiasm, and a supportive presence to patients and coworkers alike. We are proud to see him and so many others recognized for the difference they make in our hospital and community.

As you spot the "You Matter" signs around the hospital, we encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the individuals behind the care.

02/06/2026

Big hearts, creative boxes, one great cause ❤️

Our teams put their hearts (and serious creativity) into decorating Valentine’s boxes now on display in the hospital lobby, and they’re amazing! From a fluffy llama to a specialty coffee drink and everything in between, each one tells a story and shows off the personalities that make our award-winning rural hospital so special.

Better yet, it’s all for a great cause. This friendly competition is a fundraiser for the Cardiac Rehab Fund through the CoxHealth Foundation, helping provide care and support for our patients on their heart-health journey.

Stop by, take a look, pick your favorite while making a big difference. The boxes will be on display until Feb. 16.

And if you can’t make it in, tell us, which one is your favorite in the comments below?

02/03/2026

Kymeron Cox, RN, in the Cox Barton Emergency Department, has been named Stroke Nurse of the Year.

This well-deserved honor recognizes her outstanding clinical skills, quick thinking, and compassionate care for patients when every second matters.

Kymeron’s dedication makes a meaningful difference for patients and families across our community. Please join us in congratulating her on this incredible achievement.

01/29/2026

𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟲 𝘃𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀

On this , let’s jump on the social media trend and look back at 2016, a year filled with recognizable faces, significant events, and daily life. While many aspects have evolved, our technology has received an upgrade, and our facilities have been refreshed, the essence of the hospital remains unchanged: the warm smiles, the laughter echoing through the halls, and the exceptional care that our community knows and trusts.

Browse through these nostalgic photos and honor the individuals, moments, and achievements that made 2016, and every subsequent year, memorable. Certain aspects, like outstanding care, are timeless.

Take a look back at these throwbacks — can you spot a familiar face?

01/27/2026

When winter weather made travel unsafe last weekend, our teams stepped up for each other and our patients.

Thank you to our surgical team for setting up a room so an ER nurse could stay overnight, and to CoxHealth for providing complimentary meals to staff working through the storm.

This is teamwork in action. 💙

01/23/2026

❄️ Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Winter Storms at Cox Barton ❄️

Before the snowfall begins, our teams are already diligently preparing behind the scenes. Snowplows are readied, salt is replenished, supplies are verified, staffing strategies are established, and linen kits are prepared for staff staying overnight in the hospital.

Numerous employees work tirelessly throughout winter storms to ensure that patients receive the necessary care and that everyone within the hospital remains safe and comfortable. From the maintenance team clearing the walkways to the staff and physicians prepared for any situation, it requires a collaborative effort, and we couldn’t achieve this without them.

We take pride in the commitment and teamwork that safeguard our community, even when the weather is challenging.

If you need to venture outside, please refer to the comments for winter safety tips and fall prevention advice from our CoxHealth experts.

01/21/2026

At times, the most exquisite moments come upon us unexpectedly. This gorgeous sunset was photographed by Phyris from Environmental Services as she was taking out the trash. Her appreciation for beauty serves as a reminder that each day contains a touch of magic, even in the simplest tasks.

📸 Thank you, Phyris, for sharing this stunning sight with us!

01/15/2026

Putting off a colonoscopy is easy. Getting one could save your life.

Colon cancer is highly preventable with routine screening, and you can get that care right here at Cox Barton with our local general surgeon. A quick procedure today could mean many more healthy years ahead.

This CoxHealth blog explains when to get screened and what you can expect. ⬇️

01/13/2026

🎉 The results are in! 🎉

Thank you to the CoxHealth Foundation and all those who participated in the Raise the Barn fundraising event a few months back - it was an incredible success!

▪️ Trivia Night brought in over $6,500
▪️ Mizzou Ticket Raffle, generously donated by Dr. John Alden, added nearly $1,400
▪️ The CoxHealth Foundation rounded up the total to $10,000

All funds directly support Cox Barton and our patients, helping us continue to deliver exceptional care close to home.

This is the power of our community coming together.

Address

29 NW 1st Lane
Lamar, MO
64759

Telephone

+14176815100

Website

http://www.coxhealth.com/

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Rich, patriotic history of Cox Barton County

The hospital was built on a vision of hope and renewal, and serving as a remembrance to many brave soldiers. A man named H.C. Chancellor from Lamar led a countywide committee in 1946 to decide how best to honor both the fallen soldiers of WWII and those who had come home. Mr. Chancellor envisioned a permanent memorial, one with lasting value to the county, that would serve as a living tribute to the servicemen and women. The idea of Barton County Memorial Hospital was born and the work to achieve the dream commenced.

On October 2, 1949, a flag raising and presentation ceremony marked the completion of the two-story brick facility. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the bronze plaque bearing the name of the more than 60 Barton County men who gave their lives for our country in World War II. This plaque and those for subsequent conflicts continue to be prominently displayed at the hospital. We're proud of our facility and its rich, patriotic history.

Over the years, Barton County Memorial Hospital has seen many changes, both with the hospital itself and throughout the region. In 2007, a new dream was realized when the relocated Barton County Memorial Hospital opened its doors at 29 NW First Lane. Not only is the present 64,000 square foot hospital welcoming in appearance, it also provides both patients and visitors added comfort and convenience.

When the hospital joined CoxHealth in 2018, it became Cox Barton County Hospital. One of CoxHealth's main priorities is to improve access to health care for people throughout the Ozarks, especially in rural areas, and we're excited to continue expanding our services for the community.