Columbus-based OhioHealth and Surgery Partners — one of the country's largest ASC chains — have agreed a deal to create a company that will grow ASC joint ventures across Ohio.
The partnership will use a phased approach for growth, beginning with expansion opportunities within the 50 counties OhioHealth serves, followed by an opportunity review of the remaining 38 counties. It will foster relationships with top surgeons in the state, offering them an opportunity to further invest in their practice, patients and community.
OhioHealth said the joint venture will also support physician independence. Under the model, physicians can continue to have a say in day-to-day operations and strategic decisions for long-term growth while benefiting from the scale and management experience of OhioHealth and Surgery Partners, which has more than 180 outpatient facilities and 4,600 physicians
"OhioHealth is already [a trusted healthcare] partner for inpatient as well ambulatory care in more than half of the state of Ohio," Brian Jepson, OhioHealth president, central market, said in an April 28 news release. "However, to support our organization's desire to grow beyond our traditional geographic areas, to meet patients where they are in their health journey, and to partner with surgeons across the state, we needed the right management partner."