Atlantic Health System, based in New Jersey, has announced a joint venture with local multi-specialty physician group Premier Health Associates.
This new entity will see Atlantic Health as the majority owner but will retain the Premier Health Associates name.
The latest move is set to enhance Atlantic Health's primary care services across several counties.
Premier Health Associates, known for its primary-care delivery, operates across 16 locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. With a range of specialists in various fields, the group manages around 177,000 patient visits annually.
This integration with Atlantic Health is expected to provide a more comprehensive care network for patients.
The alliance will also see the deployment of Atlantic Health's Epic electronic health record (EHR) platform at Premier Health locations by early 2025. This system will ensure seamless sharing of patient information across the Atlantic Health network.
Atlantic Health, a not-for-profit system with a workforce of 20,000, operates over 550 care sites, including seven hospitals.
Last month, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, also based in New Jersey, signed a definitive agreement to join Atlantic Health.
Premier Health president David Bollard stated: "We have always had a strong working and clinical relationship with our new partners at Atlantic Health System. By working to create a new entity that includes physician ownership within the venture, we felt it would be a perfect vehicle for us to achieve clinical integration within Atlantic Health.
“This JV will attract providers who wish to access the extensive benefits of a large partner like Atlantic Health, while still offering an opportunity for practice ownership within their community.”
Atlantic Health executive vice president and chief business and strategy officer Kevin Lenahan highlighted the benefits of the partnership, saying: “Together we can make the best parts of our organisations even better on behalf of the communities in northwestern New Jersey, who can visit their trusted, primary care physician knowing the strength of the entire Atlantic Health network of care is in support.”
