If you live in Hobbs, Lovington, Jal, or anywhere in Lea County and you’re facing a health issue that needs more than a routine visit — you may already know that some specialist care isn’t available locally. The good news: Artesia General Hospital (AGH) is a hospital near Hobbs NM (just 60 miles) and we offer several services that benefit Lea County residents — including a board-certified urologist, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist, Mako SmartRobotics™ surgery and many more specialist services.
We know making the drive is a commitment. What you’ll find here: expert, accredited care in a nonprofit community hospital that consistently earns some of the highest patient satisfaction scores in southeastern New Mexico. This page is designed to help Lea County residents understand exactly what AGH can offer — and when making the trip is worth it.
Specialist Care for the Lea County Area
Like many communities in rural New Mexico, Lea County has capable local healthcare — but certain subspecialty services require patients to travel. Thats where AGH fills those gaps.
Board-Certified Urology — Dr. Michael C. Speck
For Lea County residents dealing with kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, recurrent UTIs, or questions about a vasectomy, the nearest urology options have historically meant a long drive — or going without care.
AGH is proud to offer expert urology care through Dr. Michael C. Speck, a board-certified urologist trained at the University of New Mexico. Dr. Speck is bilingual (English and Spanish) and sees patients Monday through Friday in Artesia.
Dr. Speck treats:
- Kidney stones — evaluation and minimally invasive treatment
- Enlarged prostate (BPH) — medical and surgical options
- Urinary tract infections, including recurrent UTIs
- Blood in the urine (hematuria evaluation)
- Vasectomy — a common, straightforward procedure often unavailable closer to home
- Genitourinary cancers — screening, evaluation, and treatment coordination
| “I treat the whole patient, not just the symptom. My goal is to help you get back to the life you love.” — Dr. Michael C. Speck |
To schedule with Dr. Speck, call 575-748-8311 or request an appointment online. His clinic is located at 612 N. 13th St., Suite H, Artesia, NM 88210.
Fellowship-Trained Urogynecology — Dr. Scott Beard, MD FACOG FPMRS
Pelvic floor disorders — including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and bowel leakage — affect millions of women, yet many go untreated because they don’t know where to turn or feel embarrassed to ask. There is no urogynecologist currently practicing in Lea County. For women in the area, the next nearest specialist is typically in Lubbock or Albuquerque.
At AGH, urogynecology care is led by Dr. Scott Beard, MD FACOG FPMRS — a board-certified OB/GYN with specialized fellowship training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. That credential (FPMRS) means Dr. Beard has advanced expertise in conditions that general gynecologists typically don’t treat surgically.
Dr. Beard treats:
- Urinary incontinence — stress, urgency, and mixed
- Pelvic organ prolapse — including bladder, uterine, and rectal prolapse
- Fecal/bowel incontinence
- Pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction
- Surgical repair using minimally invasive and robotic techniques
Many women have lived with these conditions for years, assuming nothing can be done. That’s rarely true. If you’ve been told to “just manage it” or you’ve been putting off seeking help, Dr. Beard’s team welcomes a conversation.
Contact AGH’s Vibrant Women’s Clinic at 575-748-3333 to learn more or request a referral.
| Ready to schedule? Call AGH at 575-748-3333 Or visit artesiageneral.com to learn more about our services. |
Mako SmartRobotics™ Surgery — Precision You Don’t Have to Drive to Lubbock For
AGH offers Mako SmartRobotics™ surgery — a state-of-the-art surgical platform that gives surgeons enhanced precision for orthopedic and other procedures. For Lea County patients facing a surgical decision, that means you don’t have to choose between waiting, traveling to Lubbock, or settling for a less advanced approach. AGH has Mako SmartRobotics™ surgery available now, delivered by experienced surgeons in a DNV-accredited facility.
Want to know if your procedure is a candidate for robotic surgery? Call 575-748-3333 to speak with our surgical team.
Why Lea County Patients Choose AGH
Beyond the specialist gaps, there are a few things that consistently bring patients from Hobbs, Lovington, Jal, and across Lea County to Artesia General — even when they have a local option.
CMS Patient Satisfaction: 91 out of 100
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services independently tracks how patients rate their hospital experiences. AGH scores 91/100 — among the highest in the region. For comparison, larger regional hospitals score meaningfully lower. That gap reflects something real: at a 25-bed community hospital, you’re not a number.
DNV Healthcare Accreditation
AGH is accredited by DNV Healthcare, a rigorous international accreditation body that conducts annual on-site reviews. DNV accreditation means AGH is held to a continuous standard of patient safety and quality improvement.
New Mexico’s Only Great Place to Work® Certified Hospital
AGH has earned Great Place to Work® certification — the only hospital in New Mexico to do so. That matters for patients because hospitals where staff feel supported and respected tend to deliver better care. The people who treat you here chose to be here.
Nonprofit, Community-Owned Since 1939
AGH is not part of a large national health system. We’re a nonprofit community hospital that has served southeastern New Mexico since 1939. Our decisions are made locally, with our patients in mind.
Bilingual Care (Se Habla Español)
Several AGH providers, including Dr. Speck, provide care in both English and Spanish. For Spanish-speaking patients and families in Lea County, clear communication in your preferred language matters.
Hospital Near Hobbs NM: Getting Here from Hobbs, Lovington, and Jal
AGH is located at 702 N. 13th Street, Artesia, NM 88210. Here are approximate drive times from Lea County communities:
- From Hobbs: approximately 60 minutes via US-285 North
- From Lovington: approximately 50 minutes via US-82 West
- From Jal: approximately 75 minutes via NM-128 and US-285 North
- From Eunice: approximately 70 minutes via US-176 and US-285 North
Parking is free and available directly at the hospital. If transportation is a barrier, contact us at 575-748-3333 — we may be able to help connect you with non-emergency medical transportation options.
Hospital Near Hobbs NM: Frequently Asked Questions from Lea County Patients
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Speck (urology) or Dr. Beard (urogynecology)?
Many insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits. Check with your insurance provider, or call AGH at 575-748-3333 and our staff can help guide you through what’s needed. If you’re not sure where to start, your primary care provider in Hobbs or Lovington can issue a referral.
Does AGH accept my insurance?
AGH accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Call 575-748-3333 or visit artesiageneral.com to verify your specific plan before scheduling.
What if I need imaging (MRI, CT, mammogram) before or after my specialist visit?
AGH offers a full range of imaging services on-site, including 3D mammography, a 1.5T MRI (the only Fujifilm Echelon Synergy in the region), and a 128-slice CT scanner. Imaging can often be coordinated with your specialist appointment to minimize trips. Learn more about AGH imaging services.
Can I get a vasectomy at AGH without traveling to Lubbock?
Yes. Dr. Speck performs vasectomies in Artesia. This is one of the most commonly requested procedures by patients from Lea County who prefer not to travel to West Texas for a routine procedure.
Is AGH a good option for Lea County patients who need surgery?
For many procedures — particularly orthopedic surgery using the Mako SmartRobotics™ platform, and reconstructive pelvic surgery with Dr. Beard — AGH offers advanced technology . For high-acuity emergencies requiring Level I trauma care, Lubbock or Albuquerque may still be the appropriate destination; AGH will always be transparent with patients about the right setting for their care.
How do I know if my pelvic floor symptoms need a urogynecologist?
If you experience leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, or exercise; feel pressure or a bulge in your pelvic area; or have been managing bowel control issues, you may benefit from a urogynecology evaluation. These conditions are common, treatable, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Call AGH at 575-748-3333 to ask about an appointment with Dr. Beard.
Serving Hobbs, Lovington, Jal, Eunice, and All of Lea County
Artesia General Hospital is proud to serve as a regional hospital near Hobbs NM — including our neighbors in Lea County who deserve access to specialist care without a drive. Whether you need a urologist, a urogynecologist, robotic surgery, or advanced imaging, we’re here to help.
| Call 575-748-3333 | artesiageneral.com |
| Medical DisclaimerThe information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your specific medical condition. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. |