Atlas Healthcare Partners, specialising in development and management of ambulatory surgery centre (ASC), has formed a joint venture (JV) with US-based MultiCare Health System.  

This strategic partnership aims to enhance the availability of cost-effective surgical services in the Pacific Northwest region.  

MultiCare, a non-profit healthcare organisation, currently operates a total of 12 hospitals and employs over 22,000 individuals in Washington state, US.  

The health system provides a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including hospital, primary, specialty, emergency, and ambulatory care. 

Through the latest collaboration, MultiCare will leverage Atlas’ proficiency in ASC strategy, development, as well as operations to support its extensive hospital and ambulatory network.  

The JV is expected to significantly improve surgical care accessibility for the local communities. 

Atlas CEO Aric Burke said: “The Atlas joint venture ASC model aligns MultiCare, physicians, and Atlas to deliver high-quality patient outcomes and experience in an affordable outpatient setting. Atlas also focuses on providing a highly efficient service for physicians with an opportunity to invest in and partner in the ASC operations.” 

Since its inception in 2018, Atlas has focused on developing and managing ASCs in conjunction with physicians and non-profit health systems.  

MultiCare represents the third health system to enter into a JV with Atlas since 2019, following Banner Health and Corewell Health. 

Atlas's partnership with Banner Health, initiated to develop and manage Banner's ASC network across Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming, has seen substantial growth.  

Over five years, the network expanded from eight to 30 centres, with more under development. 

In 2022, Atlas joined forces with Corewell Health to establish and oversee ASC networks. 

Furthermore, Atlas has collaborated with ACC company MedAxiom to form a cardiovascular-focused ASC company. 

MultiCare Surgery Centers vice-president Dr Mark Mariani said: “We are committed to maintaining and expanding access to surgical care in the region with an outstanding partner that helps us deliver on our vision and mission. Partnering with Atlas provides the team and expertise to develop, manage, and scale our ASC network quickly and effectively.”