Diagnostic Clinic of Longview and Longview Regional Medical Center Announce Plans for Formal Affiliation

LONGVIEW, Texas, Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Diagnostic Clinic of Longview (DCOL) and Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC) announced today they will establish a strategic, formal affiliation to advance healthcare for the region. The partnership will strengthen a long-standing relationship and further DCOL and LRMC's shared commitment to provide high-quality care for their patients. This affiliation will also lay the foundation for the creation of one of the most progressive and integrated healthcare systems in East Texas.

To form the affiliation, DCOL will enter into a merger agreement with a subsidiary of Community Health Systems, Inc., the parent company of Longview Regional Medical Center.  The transaction is subject to normal closing conditions and is expected to be completed over the next few months.

In connection with the transaction, all physician ownership interests in Longview Regional Medical Center will be repurchased.

"DCOL and Longview Regional have worked side-by-side for more than 30 years to bring revolutionary medical advancements to our patients, recruit physicians to our region, and broaden the health services we each provide," said Robert Wheeler, M.D., president of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview.  "We have deep respect for one another and common goals for medical excellence and patient service. Affiliation between our organizations solidifies an already strong relationship and brings the promise of immeasurable benefit for our patients and the region."

Shifting dynamics in the healthcare industry have encouraged greater collaboration among providers, which ultimately may lead to better medical results and better patient experiences.  As physicians and hospitals look for ways to accomplish these goals, providers are developing health systems across the continuum of care. 

"DCOL physicians value the opportunity to create a system of coordinated patient care across the full spectrum of health services," said Bert Ratay, CEO of Diagnostic Clinic of Longview.  "Whether it's an office visit, a diagnostic test, an emergency room visit, surgery or hospitalization, DCOL physicians will have a greater involvement in the healthcare landscape than ever before."

DCOL is one of the largest multi-specialty groups in East Texas with more than 700 employees, including 132 physicians and mid-level providers in 18 locations. DCOL will continue to operate in all of its current locations under the name Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, with the same trusted physicians and employees.  Though the transaction will change the ownership structure of DCOL, it will have little effect on the day-to-day operations of the practice and is expected to be invisible for patients.

DCOL will be guided by a joint oversight committee with representatives from DCOL and Longview Regional Medical Center.  Additionally, DCOL physicians will serve on the LRMC Board of Trustees, actively participating in hospital governance.

"The forward-thinking physicians at DCOL have always been pioneers in their field," said Jim Kendrick, chief executive officer of Longview Regional Medical Center. "We have great respect for their commitment to their patients, the community and to clinical excellence.  We welcome their increased involvement in our hospital."

"I am proud of how DCOL has evolved over the years, and the opportunity we have now through this affiliation with Longview Regional," said John Greifenkamp, M.D., one of the original founders of DCOL and an active member of the Longview medical community for more than 35 years.  "We're excited about partnering with a physician-oriented hospital that shares our vision for the future and commitment to the patient.  We look forward to what we can accomplish in our work together."

About Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, P.A. (DCOL)
Diagnostic Clinic of Longview, P.A. (DCOL) is a multi-specialty physician group practice consisting of more than 130 physicians and mid-level providers in 18 locations. The principal focus of the group is in the delivery of primary care services such as Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Family Practice and Internal Medicine, though recent additions to the group have included a wide array of medical specialists. One of the largest independent multi-specialty practices in East Texas, DCOL has gained a reputation in its market area as the premier physician group offering excellent medical care and customer service. The practice has a predominance of board certified practitioners.

About Longview Regional Medical Center
Longview Regional Medical Center (LRMC), a 131-bed acute care hospital, is committed to investing in our region and bringing our patients the latest treatments and technology. LRMC is the only hospital in Longview where patients can receive daVinci robotic surgery, Stryker joint replacements, off-pump beating heart surgery, HALO procedures for reversing the damage of Barrett's esophagus, and bariatric surgery for weight loss. LRMC's vein center is also Longview's only vein treatment center where interventional cardiologists perform all procedures and have earned the "Best Vein Care Center of Excellence" status. Longview Regional is also proud of its status as a "Best Companies to Work For in Texas" facility. Longview Regional Medical Center is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital's medical staff.  For more information on Longview Regional Medical Center, visit: www.longviewregional.com. 

SOURCE Longview Regional Medical Center