ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IHA, the area's leading physician group practice, and Michigan Heart (MH), a nationally recognized cardiology practice, are pleased to announce their integration effective June 29, 2014.
"After a long history of working together, discussions over the last six months determined that integration offered the best way for our groups to work much more closely to improve patient care and deliver greater value to consumers," said Bill Fileti, IHA's president and CEO.
This partnership links IHA's well-established, primary and specialty care network with MH's extensive cardiac specialty and sub-specialty services, and dramatically enhances both IHA and MH capabilities to meet patient needs throughout southeastern Michigan. Of particular significance, IHA's cardiovascular and vascular & endovascular surgeons and MH cardiologists and endovascular specialists will work together to further improve patient care through a common medical record, unified medical group operating structures and the inauguration of a new cardiovascular service line.
MH's President Dr. Tauqir Goraya said, "Patients and payers want health care that is more responsive, more effective, safer and highly coordinated. The Michigan Heart and IHA integration, in collaboration with SJMHS, will put us in the best position to continue to pursue these important goals."
Dr. Mary Durfee, IHA's executive vice president and chief medical officer, noted that, "by working off a common clinical infrastructure with shared, best-practice patient care protocols, a combined IHA and Michigan Heart will deliver better, more coordinated care for our patients and achieve ever-higher clinical quality goals and patient satisfaction results."
These consolidations in the health care field are happening on a daily basis as the industry responds to market forces, said Rob Casalou, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor and Livingston hospitals, who welcomed this development. "IHA has a long successful practice management history and this new collaboration will only serve to improve and grow cardiac services in the region even further. I am excited to see these two high-quality groups come together as their union is in the best interest of our patients, providers and staff as well as the communities we serve."
This initiative is one of the many ways IHA continues to pursue its transformation into one of the nation's leading multispecialty group practices. Research shows that large multispecialty groups deliver higher health care quality at a lower cost, which IHA has consistently demonstrated for the last two decades.
"IHA has a full pipeline of external growth opportunities to complement a long list of internally generated expansion initiatives. IHA's continuing growth is designed to bring all the benefits of an outstanding, highly coordinated multispecialty group to our community," Fileti concluded.
About IHA
IHA was founded in 1994 and is one of the largest, fully integrated physician group practices in southeast Michigan with best-in-class performance in care outcomes, patient loyalty and value. Following the Michigan Heart integration, IHA will consist of 335 doctors and 85 nurse practitioners, physician assistants and nurse midwives in 54 practices across southeastern Michigan. IHA provides high-quality medical care and excellent service to more than 335,000 active patients. IHA's employed physician, nursing and support staff now totals over 1,500 professionals.
Recognized as one of Michigan's top performing, clinical-quality medical groups, IHA also ranks in the top 25th percentile for patient satisfaction nationally. Offering extended office hours, After Hours Care, and access to clinical research studies, IHA demonstrates that it cares by bringing safe, high quality, comprehensive and affordable care to its patients. IHA is an operating subsidiary of the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a member of CHE Trinity Health. For more information about IHA, visit www.ihacares.com
About Michigan Heart
Michigan Heart, a member of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, is a nationally recognized leader in comprehensive cardiovascular care. Led by a team of physicians and health care professionals, Michigan Heart sets the standard for excellence by providing high quality, patient-focused care with outstanding results. As a result of strong leadership, dedication to service and mutual respect, Michigan Heart supports and nurtures personal and professional growth and development of staff through comprehensive orientation, ongoing training and advancement opportunities. The enriching environment of Michigan Heart promotes positive "Can Do!" attitudes that translate directly into its patient care philosophy.
Affiliated with trusted and renowned hospital systems, Michigan Heart has been serving the community for over 50 years and is recognized and respected at a national level. Michigan Heart has 33 physicians and 14 advanced practitioners and a staff of 200 professionals in offices across Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Monroe and Wayne counties, bringing state-of the-art care close to home. For more information about Michigan Heart, visit http://www.stjoeshealth.org/michiganheart
SOURCE IHA
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