Danville and Scranton (PA)—The full merger and integration of Community Medical Center (CMC) in Scranton and all of its affiliates into Geisinger Health System has received approval from the Pennsylvania Attorney General and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Federal Trade Commission completed its review in November and found no objection to the merger.
Following Board meetings at CMC and Geisinger later this month, the effective date for the new partnership is anticipated to be February 1, 2012.
“We are extremely pleased to receive the necessary regulatory approvals and thank the Attorney General, Department of Health and Federal Trade Commission for their diligent review,” said CMC President and Chief Executive Officer Robert P. Steigmeyer. “This merger is good news for patients and the greater Lackawanna community. It was important for CMC to partner with a growing health system with proven success that mirrors our own not-for-profit mission, values and standards of care, and we have certainly found that with Geisinger.”
“Like Geisinger, CMC has a proud tradition of providing high quality medical services and serving the community,” said Geisinger President and Chief Executive Officer Glenn D. Steele, Jr., M.D., PhD. “Now that we have completed the regulatory review process, we can move forward with our plans to build programs, grow services, improve health outcomes and demonstrate value for the people of Scranton and the surrounding area.”
Since the signing of the definitive agreement last July, representatives of CMC and Geisinger have been developing clinical program and integration plans. Geisinger has committed to invest $158.6 million in northeast Pennsylvania and to enhance clinical programs, increase physician recruitment, expand and improve facilities, and implement new information systems—including Geisinger’s electronic health record technology—at CMC. Officials announced likely first projects will include upgrading CMC’s operating suites and intensive/critical care units.
No changes to the employment status of CMC’s workforce will occur as a result of this merger. The medical center will maintain its open medical staff that includes both employed and independent, community physicians. Mr. Steigmeyer will remain in his administrative leadership position at CMC, and two members of CMC’s Board, Virginia McGregor and Jeff Jacobsen, will be added to the Geisinger Health System Foundation Board of Directors.
“Geisinger is one of the most trusted names in health care, and CMC becoming part of Geisinger Health System will best serve our patients and employees,” said McGregor.
Geisinger and CMC are both Pennsylvania-based, not-for-profit healthcare organizations founded at the turn of the 20th century by visionary women who recognized medical needs in their communities and had the courage and resourcefulness to introduce vital medical centers that are still treating patients today.
“Community Medical Center has been an integral community asset since 1897, and we believe this long-term strategic affiliation will significantly strengthen our ability to fulfill our patient and community service mission,” Steigmeyer said. “Becoming part of Geisinger, a growing, exceptional healthcare system, will enable us to thrive and grow exponentially.”
Geisinger’s announced investment is a continuation of the health system’s historic re-investment in facilities, technology, people and services to benefit northeast and central Pennsylvania residents.
About Community Medical Center
Community Medical Center is a leading provider of quality healthcare services in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A not-for-profit charitable hospital located in Scranton, CMC is home to Scranton’s only Level II Trauma Center and adult inpatient behavioral health unit. Other programs CMC provides include: a comprehensive cardiac service line—including open heart surgery; orthopedic services including the NewSteps joint replacement center; and a broad range of other specialized surgical and radiological services. For more information, visit www.cmccare.org.
About Geisinger Health System
Geisinger is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including ProvenHealth Navigator, an advanced medical home model, and ProvenCare program. The system serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org. Follow the latest Geisinger news and more at www.twitter.com/geisingerhealth and www.facebook.com/geisingerhealth.
