Boston-based Arches Medical Partners' physician group will leave CharterCare Provider Group, part of Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holding, and partner with Integra Community Care Network, part of Providence, R.I.-based Care New England Health System, according to a July 18 news release shared with Becker's. Arches medical group will bring nine locations and 40 primary care providers under Integra.
"We want to increase access and quality for patients and remove barriers that lead to physician burnout and frustration," Chris Kryder, MD, founder of Arches, said in the release. "The Rhode Island healthcare market which we entered this year is fragile. Integra provides the stability we need to fulfill the promise of primary care for the communities we serve."
News of the move comes after Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed a motion to have Prospect held in contempt for refusal to comply with a court order to pay $17 million in unpaid bills to vendors at CharterCare's Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence, R.I.
Prospect told Becker's in a July 15 statement that it has complied with the judge's orders and did not understand Mr. Neronha's motion. The hospital chain also recently received approval from Mr. Neronha and the Rhode Island department of health to sell the two hospitals with multiple requirements tacked on from each party.
"Prospect’s IPA in Rhode Island, CharterCARE Provider Group R.I., has partnered with all providers and health systems in the state since its inception," Robert Millette, CEO of Prospect's IPA, said in a July 19 statement shared with Becker's. "As the only delegated utilization and care management IPA in the state under a global capitation arrangement, we are in a strong position to continue to provide outstanding opportunities and alternative payment models for our 120 primary care providers, ensuring their patients continue to receive timely, quality care. The growth plans we currently have in motion put us is an excellent position in 2025 and beyond, to continue our successful record of caring for our Rhode Island communities. "
Editor's note: This article has been updated as of July 19 at 11:18 a.m. CT.