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Nathan Ratchford, MD, FACOG

Phelps Health

Nathan Ratchford, MD

Accepting New Patients

Offers Telehealth Visits

Specialties

Gynecology

Gender

Male

Special Interests

Abnormal uterine bleeding
Contraception
Infertility evaluations
Minimally invasive surgery
Pelvic pain and prolapse
Post-menopausal bleeding
Menopause
Women's preventive health and screenings

Board Certifications

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Office Locations

Phelps Health Medical Office Building

1050 West 10th Street
Rolla, MO 65401

About Me

I’m Nathan Ratchford, MD, FACOG, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist (OB/GYN). From 2018-2023, I also served as chief medical officer of Phelps Health Hospital. I have been practicing medicine in Rolla since 2008 and added my administrative duties in 2018. I hold a practice designation with the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. As a gynecologist, I perform minimally invasive surgeries, including laparoscopic hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus), tubal ligations (sterilization), endometrial ablations (removal of the lining of the uterus) and more.

In high school, I was your typical science and math nerd and was a part of the Medical Explorers program. I would drive to Springfield, Missouri, and observe healthcare in action. I knew early on that I wanted to go into medicine, and more specifically, that I wanted to be a surgeon. I’ve always had good hand-eye coordination, enjoy working with my hands and consider myself to be “hands-on.” I chose the OB/GYN specialty in particular, because I think we as a society have a great responsibility to take care of the mothers in our communities.

As a physician, I go out of my way to make patients feel comfortable and educated on their options. I present the options, but the patient must make their own decision. If a patient feels knowledgeable and empowered, a better outcome will likely result.

I am a Missouri native, growing up in Lamar, which is near Joplin and on the border of Kansas. Today, my wife and I live outside of Rolla with our two children and two barn cats. When I’m not working, I enjoy various DIY projects. As a family, we like to watch movies and TV shows, and play board games. I am the father of a type 1 diabetic and am also an advocate.

I chose Phelps Health because of the community. When I was finishing training in St. Louis, Missouri, my wife and I got a map out and by coincidence, there was a position open in Rolla. I like Rolla, the community, the location. It’s a great place to raise a family, and I’m really happy here.

I also offer telehealth visits, which allow patients to visit with me remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection and audio-video capabilities.

Nathan Ratchford, MD

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Nathan Ratchford, chief medical officer of Phelps Health Hospital and a gynecologist with Phelps Health, discusses women’s health.

Watch episode with video here.

 

To listen to more podcasts featuring Dr. Ratchford, please click here

Education & Training

Medical School University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri

Residency St. John’s Mercy Medical Center-St. Louis, Missouri

Awards & Honors

award Nathan Ratchford, MD, won first place for OB/GYN in the 2021 “Best of Phelps County” contest sponsored by the Phelps County Focus.

awardDr. Ratchford, along with his care staff, were recognized with Awards of Excellence for achieving patient experience scores above the 90th percentile in 2019.

Insurance

For a list of insurance carriers that Phelps Health accepts, please click here.

Ratings and Reviews

Provider Overall Quality of Care

The physician and advance practice provider star ratings are an average based on the data collected from the Phelps Health post-visit surveys. 4.9
4.9 out of 5 (241 Ratings, 52 comments)

What our patients are saying (Verified reviews from real patients)

Feb 12, 2026
Had a 730 appt told to arrive at 715 doors locked. Make sure someone is ready to work at 715 if thats the time you want people to show up
Jan 29, 2026
Dr. Ratchford is so kind and caring. He took the time to explain all I needed to know and answered all of my questions. He listened to my concerns and told me all the plans of action dependent on each circumstance. He made me feel comfortable and at ease. My nurse was beautiful. She was lighthearted and very nice. She told me all of vitals as she was taking them, which I appreciated because I like to know. She took her time with me and didn't make me feel rushed. Navigating health nowadays is so fast and you don't really get to understand all treatment plans and options. Most patients are just numbers and copays. But not at Dr. Ratchfords office.
Jan 28, 2026
Dr. Ratchford went over everything with me. He had even looked at records that other doctors couldn't seem to figure out and he saw things. He says he saw a mass that I needed to get checked out. I was very happy with him. As a rule, I do not like male doctors, but I would absolutely go back to him because he was really amazing.
Jan 20, 2026
The doctor always listens to me and is very kind. He looks me in the eye and is able to explain things well. Even the nurse was top notch. She took my blood pressure, talked to me about my meds and then took it again. My blood pressure was lower/better because she took the time to let me relax and do it again.
Jan 20, 2026
My provider didn't provide me with pictures that he wanted to show me because his staff didn't take them the day of the surgery. I left, wondering what he was gonna show me and upset that he couldn't retrieve those pictures.
Jan 20, 2026
Dr. Rachford is amazing.
Jan 7, 2026
Provider was very informative. Made sure I understood all of my options.
Jan 7, 2026
The very best nurse and physician.
Dec 4, 2025
Everyone was courtesy. The nurse was knowledgeable and the dr was very thorough and spoke to me woth ease and in a way that helped me understand everything he was conveying
Nov 25, 2025
Answered questions showed compassion and care very helpful nothing to improve
Oct 29, 2025
Dr. Ratchford is a great physician and very kind.
Oct 28, 2025
I had this procedure before with a different provider. This time I felt heard and respected. This time was virtually painless. The provider had a very good bedside manner. Very positive experience! Thank you!
Oct 23, 2025
Every one was great thank you so much!!!
Oct 23, 2025
Dr. Ratchford and his staff got me right in and were pleasant and knowledgeable.
Oct 16, 2025
Dr. Ratchford is just awesome. He has changed my life.
Oct 1, 2025
Dr Ratchford is the best! He explains things well and listens to you! All staff excellent! Need a bigger parking lot! Nowhere to park!
Sep 17, 2025
The physician was amazing! And the nurses were as well!
Sep 17, 2025
I was very nervous having to see a new doctor at my old age but my visit was extremely pleasant & I was treated wonderfully by everyone. I left very happy!
Sep 17, 2025
My nurses and Dr. Ratchford were professional and kind. Dr. Ratchford always takes the time to listen to my concerns and ease my mind.
Sep 11, 2025
Very welcoming nurse and doctor. This isn't an appointment that most people love to come do, but I felt very comfortable with whole process due to the staff!
Sep 10, 2025
Yeah, I thought the doctor was exceptionally well in explaining everything and I appreciated his information.
Sep 9, 2025
great experience
Aug 26, 2025
Everyone was pleasant and answered all questions I had.
Aug 26, 2025
Waiting time was very short. I was treated pretty fast which is very good. My questions were answered clearly and my concerns addressed
Aug 25, 2025
I appreciate Dr. Ratchford taking the time to explain and discuss my health concerns.
Aug 21, 2025
The nurse who was training I could tell was new. She was not confident. However. The nurse training her was awesome. She gave the new gal encouragement and instruction. She also helped me get dressed as I was in a sling recovering from rotator cuff surgery.
Aug 19, 2025
I always have courteous service with all the staff. The doctor talks ample time to explain and procedures and processes. I can ask questions and feel heard as well as receive very precise information.
Aug 7, 2025
I missed my original appointment in error and she was leaving. The staff quickly got me set up With a new provider and he treated me like I had been seeing him for years. I was very comfortable..
Aug 4, 2025
All employees was very, very nice. All good.
Jul 9, 2025
The doctor was great.
Jul 8, 2025
The office is run very efficiently and the provider is interested and addresses concerns.
Jun 18, 2025
I work in a position where we refer patients to ph every day because you are always willing to help. By my own experience this past week I know these patients are in good hands. Thank you.
Jun 17, 2025
I love Dr. Ratchford. He is the best!!
Jun 11, 2025
My experience was excellent. Dr. Ratchford is an amazing, caring Dr. He goes above and beyond with his care.
Jun 10, 2025
Listened, made me feel comfortable, and explained what to expect going forward
Jun 3, 2025
Dr, Ratchford made me feel very comfortable and explained my options, He explained these options and made me feel like whatever I chose would be my decision.
Jun 3, 2025
Dr. Ratchford is awesome. Explained everything so well . He is a very nice and understanding person. Very happy with him and would definitely recommend him to others.
May 20, 2025
Everything was great except wait time
May 20, 2025
Always very friendly and helpful
May 14, 2025
I felt I had Dr. Ratchford's complete attention and wasn't rushed through my appointment. He discussed testing that I hadn't been informed of before and how to pursue it. He encouraged me to make sure to always keep him informed on any health issues or changes.
May 6, 2025
Ratchford office was great however I couldn't get the tests done he needed in order to stick with his timeline and I feel like the doctors should relay the information to other providers or test offices because they don't care what you say the doctor needs, we are just patience but maybe if the doctor was the one relaying the message you could work in what needs to be accomplished. Feeling overwhelmed by it all.
May 5, 2025
Everyone I had interaction with was extremely courteous and kind. The doctor was very thorough while discussing my condition and concerns, as well as being kind and compassionate. The provider was very easy to communicate with, and answered all my questions. I am extremely satisfied with the level of care I have received so far, and look forward to continuing my care with the provider and the staff
Apr 29, 2025
Dr. Ratchford listened to me and explained things to me in a way that I understood without talking down to me. He was honest with me which I love and appreciate.
Apr 28, 2025
Dr Ratchford was one of the few doctors that had listened to me and made me feel heard. It is especially hard during this time in my life in menopause when my body has went crazy, but he made me feel sane and like he was going to fix it no matter how long it took. Thank you!!
Apr 28, 2025
Very professional, very caring staff, did a great job making me feel comfortable, explaining my options, and was very personable.
Apr 23, 2025
The doctor was very professional and kind.
Apr 22, 2025
Giving me time and compassion with what I was dealing with was the best. I am truly not aware of anything that would have made my visit any better then it was.
Apr 16, 2025
Dr. Ratchford was very thorough and explained all of my options. I had several questions, but he never appeared rushed. We are blessed to have him at Phelps Health.
Apr 9, 2025
Everyone was nice.
Apr 3, 2025
Listened and was very patient.
Apr 3, 2025
Kind, compassionate care. Efficient and explained everything.
Apr 2, 2025
I love that there was no wait and Dr Ratchford always is focused and doesn't make me feel rushed. He has a wonderful bedside manner.