Spencer (Iowa) Hospital announced Thursday the board's approval to collaborate with Spencer-based Avera Clinic, in a "provider-based status" relationship.
Provider-based status will establish a formal relationship with the family practice clinic and enhance long-term planning, service integration and physician recruitment, according to a statement.
Avera Medical Group, a Sioux Falls, S.D.-based health system, will rename the clinic Avera Medical Group Spencer to reflect its status as a department of Spencer Hospital under the new agreement. Avera Medical Group and Spencer Hospital will coordinate day-to-day operations, and Avera staff services will be leased to the hospital, but staff will remain employees of Avera, according to the statement.
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