Geisinger acquires PrimeMed’s ancillary services

Sept. 17--Geisinger Health System plans to expand its footprint in the Scranton

market.

On Oct. 1, the health system will acquire Viewmont Health Associates, a medical group practice with at least 16 locations in the Scranton area. An ancillary affiliate of PrimeMed

PC, the practice offers a variety of services, from diagnostic sleep studies and digital mammography to physical therapy and outpatient medical laboratory services.

Meanwhile, Geisinger and PrimeMed "agreed to collaborate" to continue to provide services at PrimeMed's primary care sites, according to a letter signed by Geisinger President and CEO Glenn Steele Jr., M.D., and PrimeMed PC President Michael Montella, M.D.

The news comes nearly a year after Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Clinic and PrimeMed PC announced the signing of a letter of intent to explore opportunities to work together.

"Since that time (we) have been doing our due diligence to determine the best way for us to work together to benefit patients and the local community," said Wendy Wilson, vice president of corporate communications at Geisinger. "We are nearing completion of that process, after which time we will announce the status of that effort."

Geisinger officials on Tuesday declined to comment further. PrimeMed officials refused to comment on the acquisition.

PrimeMed's medical team includes primary care physicians, cardiologists, radiologists, endocrinologists and certified nurse practitioners, among others.

The letter advises patients with questions or concerns about their insurance coverage at Geisinger-Viewmont Health Associates to contact their insurance carrier. Should a patient decide to stop receiving ancillary or primary care services at the sites, "we will assist you with transferring your patient records accordingly," the letter reads.

Contact the writer: [email protected], @miorfinoTT on Twitter

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