Nationally recognized physicians to integrate at United, HealthEast Care System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Allison Sandve, HealthEast
651-326-1399
ajsandve@healtheast.org

St. Paul Heart Clinic is the last large independent cardiology practice in the Twin Cities to integrate with hospital systems. Nationally, more than 70 percent of similar-sized cardiology groups have integrated or are moving in that direction. The clinic is working closely with Allina and HealthEast to help ensure a smooth transition for patients.

"It is important to remember that while the St. Paul Heart Clinic will go away in name, we will stay in our community and look forward to meeting our patients' needs," said Thomas Johnson, MD, President, St. Paul Heart Clinic. "We are confident that our decision to integrate with Allina and HealthEast is the beginning of an exciting new era of delivering care at the vanguard of cardiology. As physicians, we can focus our efforts toward innovative care models and superior clinical outcomes."

St. Paul Heart Clinic began in 1974; its physicians and staff are nationally recognized for care and research. The skills and talents of St. Paul Heart Clinic's cardiologists and staff will complement existing capabilities at HealthEast and Allina. The cardiologists and staff have enjoyed solid, patient-centered relationships with both organizations. At Allina, their practice will remain in the clinic’s existing location connected to United Hospital. At HealthEast, a new clinic will be opened in St. Joseph's Hospital; the cardiologists also will continue seeing patients at the clinic on the St. John's Hospital campus in Maplewood.

"We look forward to having the St. Paul Heart team join us at United Hospital," said Tomi Ryba, President, United Hospital & Senior Vice President, Allina Hospitals & Clinics. "Their addition complements the cardiology capabilities already present in the Allina system in the west and north metro and will allow us to better provide cardiac outreach services at our regional hospitals and clinics."

"The commitment to providing a spectrum of high-quality, patient-centered cardiology services runs deep throughout our organization," said Sara Criger, HealthEast Vice President and CEO of St. Joseph's Hospital. "Along with our colleagues, we look forward to providing significant clinical advantages and other benefits for patients and families that this expansion makes possible."

Both HealthEast and Allina recognize that cardiology is moving in new directions, including a shift from inpatient to outpatient care. Increasing emphasis is on chronic disease management, prevention, and quality.

For most patients, there will be minimal changes in their care. Many already receive most of their care in conjunction with Allina or HealthEast facilities. No changes to the service offerings that St. Paul Heart Clinic provides at its St. Paul and Maplewood offices, Lakeview Heart Center in Stillwater or outreach locations (Apple Valley, Baldwin, Farmington, Forest Lake, Hastings, River Falls and Somerset) are anticipated. Medical records will continue to be maintained by St. Paul Heart Clinic until January 2011 and then be integrated into the respective medical records systems of HealthEast and Allina.

About St. Paul Heart Clinic

Since 1974, St. Paul Heart Clinic has served patients from throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We work in close partnership with primary care physicians and heart doctors in Minnesota who ask us to assist in the heart care of their patients. St. Paul Heart Clinic is one of the largest, most advanced heart clinics in the region with 34 cardiologists who are organized into sections providing subspecialty heart care in Minnesota and expertise in noninvasive cardiology, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology.

About Allina Hospitals & Clinics

Allina Hospitals & Clinics is a not-for-profit system of hospitals, clinics and other health care services, providing care throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Allina owns and operates 11 hospitals, more than 90 clinics, and health care services, including home care, hospice care, palliative care, oxygen and medical equipment, pharmacies and emergency medical transportation.

About HealthEast Care System

HealthEast is a community-focused health care system that provides innovative technology, compassionate care and a full spectrum of family health services. HealthEast includes Bethesda, St. John's and St. Josephs Hospitals, Woodwinds Health Campus, outpatient services, home care, clinics, pharmacies, and medical transportation services. HealthEast is the largest, locally-owned health care provider in the Twin Cities' East Metro, with 7,000 employees and more than 1,400 physicians on staff.

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