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Mike Flaherty
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Leah Huibregtse
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Meriter, Physicians Plus Positioned for Strong Future through Affiliation
MADISON, Wis. — Meriter Health Services is pleased to announce it has officially affiliated with UnityPoint Health, a nationally recognized, integrated health system headquartered in West Des Moines, IA. This agreement became effective on January 1, 2014.
“This is a great day for our patients, members, employers, the regional healthcare system and the local economy,” said Meriter President and CEO Jim Woodward. “We’ve been serving patients in the greater Madison area for more than 100 years and with UnityPoint Health we’re looking forward to an even greater next 100 years.”
An affiliation agreement was signed in October and has now received all the necessary regulatory approvals. The affiliation will allow Meriter to advance its commitment to high-quality, local patient care through shared best practices with UnityPoint Health’s award-winning providers. Meriter will also gain the value of being part of a larger system, helping to lower the overall cost of care.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Meriter to the UnityPoint Health family. Meriter is a perfect fit for our network of patient-focused, community-minded health systems; dedicated to providing high-quality, lower-cost healthcare throughout the Midwest,” said Bill Leaver, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health. “Through Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, we’ll have the added benefit of an HMO in our system, which will only enhance our ability to provide truly coordinated care.”
UnityPoint Health now has an indirect ownership interest, through Meriter, in Physicians Plus and intends to purchase the stock of Physicians Plus from Meriter later this month.
Meriter patients and Physicians Plus members will continue to see their doctors and receive care locally, just as before. Meriter and UnityPoint Health hope to build upon current relationships with local health organizations.
Media Note: UnityPoint Health President and CEO Bill Leaver and Meriter President and CEO Jim Woodward will be available to speak to the media on Wednesday, January 8. More details will be made available next week.
About Meriter Health Services
Meriter Health Services is a nationally recognized health system comprised of Meriter Medical Group, offering primary and specialty care; Meriter Hospital, a nonprofit 448 bed community hospital; and Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation. Meriter is a 2013 recipient of the National Research Corporations’ coveted Innovative Best Practice award, Top Rated Adult Doctors award and Top Rated Pediatric Doctors award. Meriter provides a comprehensive array of patient-focused inpatient and outpatient services to meet the health needs of Dane County. For more information, visit meriter.com.
About UnityPoint Health
UnityPoint Health is one of the nation’s most integrated health systems. Its physician-led team of professionals communicates clearly and effectively to address a patient’s health care in the most appropriate setting: whether that is a clinic, a hospital or services provided within the home. Through relationships with more than 280 physician clinics, 31 hospitals in metropolitan and rural communities and home care services throughout its 8 regions, UnityPoint Health provides care throughout Iowa and Central and Western Illinois.
UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 24,000 employees, working toward innovative advancements to deliver the Best Outcome for Every Patient Every Time. Each year, through more than 4 million patient visits, UnityPoint Health, UnityPoint Clinic and UnityPoint at Home provide a full range of coordinated care to patients and families. With annual revenues of $2.8 billion, UnityPoint Health is the nation’s 13th largest nonprofit health system and the fourth largest nondenominational health system in America. UnityPoint Health provides community benefit programs and services to improve the health of people in its communities.
