Wilmington, N.C.-based OrthoWilmington merged with Southport, N.C.-based Orthopaedic Specialists.
Here are six things know:
1. The merger will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.
2. The combined practice will include 23 physicians, 17 physician assistants and three nurse practitioners. It will also include 13 offices.
3. Day-to-day operations at all locations of the two practices will not be significantly affected to allow seamless transition for patients.
4. OrthoWilmington CEO Stephen L. DeBiasi, CMPE, FACHE, said that combining practices will significantly augment both practices' already expansive physical therapy services, and also give OrthoWilmington a significant presence at the two Brunswick County hospitals — Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport and Brunswick Novant Medical Center in Bolivia, N.C.
5. "From both business and clinical perspectives, there is strength in numbers," said Mr. DeBiasi. "By integrating our services, we can create an even more efficient organization to help reduce healthcare costs, improve clinical outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction."
6. This announcement comes at the heels of several recent orthopedic practice mergers. Earlier this month, Herndon, Va.-based Commonwealth Orthopaedics and Richmond-based OrthoVirginia announced a merger that will also go into effect Jan. 1, 2015. Additionally, Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai Health System finalized an agreement to affiliate with Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles and Santa Monica (Calif.) Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group this month.
The concept of "strength in numbers" appears to be the current mantra of orthopedic practices in the United States. Not only are practices coming together or affiliating with health systems, but competing healthcare organizations are also banding together. Just last week, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Butler (Pa.) Health System formed a joint venture to acquire Butler-based Tri Rivers Surgical Associates.
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