Gunnison (Colo.) Valley Health is in talks with Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery to acquire ownership of several of its locations, a spokesperson for the physician group told Becker's.
The Vail, Colo.-based orthopedic and neurosurgery group could transfer ownership of its practices in Gunnison and San Miguel counties, which include its ASC in Gunnison and clinic locations in Gunnison, Crested Butte and Telluride, Colo., to Gunnison Valley Health — the only community-owned system in Gunnison County, according to its website.
The health system hopes to complete the proposed deal by March to bring together economies of scale in orthopedics, according to The Gunnison Country Times.
If the deal closes, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery will retain ownership of its clinic locations in Eagle, Summit and Grand counties, a spokesperson for the group told Becker's.
The proposed acquisition would include a 70% stake in Vail-Summit Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery ASC, and the remaining 30% would remain with orthopedic surgeon Gloria Beim, MD, according to The Times. The deal will bring another ASC under the Gunnison Valley Health umbrella, and the first that is not located in the central hospital.
Financial terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed.
The ASC, VSON Alpine — formerly Alpine Orthopaedics — was founded by Gloria Beim, MD in 1999. Dr. Beim and her team would work with Gunnison Valley Health to ensure patients receive the highest possible care.
"The decision to sell VSON Alpine in Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Telluride was not made lightly," CEO Chris Greenman said in a statement provided to Becker's. "However, at the end of the day, we believe that practicing under the GVH umbrella will allow Dr. Beim more opportunities to partner with local providers and provide a continuum of care for her patients. VSON has eight orthopedic surgeons, two physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, and one neurosurgeon operating out of Eagle, Summit and Grand Counties, all of whom understand the importance of providing large-scale services in a small-town environment. We are all united in supporting Dr. Beim, GVH and the Gunnison community are dedicated to ensuring a sale that first and foremost benefits patient care."