HMG, Cogent Merge to Form Largest Private Hospitalist Company in the U.S.

Combined company serves hospitals in 27 states

NASHVILLE, Tenn. & CANTON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hospitalists Management Group (HMG) and Cogent Healthcare are merging to form the largest private hospitalist company in the United States, under an agreement announced today. The merger will bring together two of the strongest companies in the rapidly growing hospitalist industry, with nearly 1,000 affiliated hospitalists and extenders practicing in more than 100 healthcare facilities nationwide.

“This combination is a direct result of our strategic outlook for the future of healthcare in the U.S.,” said Dr. Stephen Houff, founder and Chief Executive Officer of HMG, who will become CEO of the combined company.

“Together, we will have a stronger platform to help hospitals meet healthcare reform demands mandating greater transparency, quality and cost efficiency. The combined company will focus on creating closer alignment between hospitals and physicians, which will be necessary in light of reimbursement changes and ultimately accountable care. Our scale will allow for the significant investment in clinical support, physician recruiting and technology to position us to better help our clients adapt to evolving market needs.”

HMG, based in Canton, Ohio, has focused on partnering with small- to medium-sized hospitals in suburban and rural markets, while Cogent, based in Nashville, Tenn., has concentrated on partnering with medium- to large-sized hospitals. Both companies were pioneers in the field during the 1990s and have developed custom hospital medicine solutions with a hospital-centric partnering approach.

“This is a natural and complementary partnership that will enable our two similarly-sized companies to benefit from each other’s expertise and success,” said Gene Fleming, President and CEO of Cogent, who will become the full-time executive chairman of the new company.

“Both Cogent and HMG have adopted a strategy of partnering with hospitals to build and manage high-performing, on-site programs. We have historically focused on different segments of the hospital market and each of us has a proven ability to deliver value for our clients in hospital medicine and beyond. The merger will allow the combined company to better serve the full spectrum of hospitals and healthcare systems across the U.S.”

The new company will be called Cogent-HMG. It will be headquartered in Nashville and will maintain offices in Canton. The leadership teams of the two companies will be combined, and specific assignments will be announced in the future.

The value of the transaction, which is expected to close this spring, was not disclosed.

About Cogent Healthcare

Founded in 1997, Cogent Healthcare is a pioneer and leader in the field of hospital medicine and critical care medicine. The company partners with hospitals to build and manage highly performing hospitalist programs and intensivist programs. In order to relentlessly improve the care and efficiency of hospitalized patients, the Cogent model offers a comprehensive System of Care™ that supports hospitalists with structure, a coordinated care team, data driven processes, rigorous ongoing training and experienced leadership. Cogent physicians lead the profession by setting best practices for hospital medicine and providing a national mentoring program. For more information, visit www.cogenthealthcare.com.

About Hospitalists Management Group, LLC

In 1993, Dr. Stephen L. Houff, one of the true pioneers in the field of hospital medicine, forged the beginnings of a hospitalist service in Columbus, Ohio. Today, HMG has partnered with more than 60 hospitals in 18 states. HMG’s growth has been organically driven through new partnership startups and referrals. HMG supports more than 500 physicians and mid-level providers who continue to embody the service, quality and dedication upon which the organization is based. Within the medical systems it serves, HMG implements customized programs, yields measurable outcomes and drives continuous innovation. For more information, visit www.hmgdoc.com.

for Cogent-HMGAnne Hancock Toomey, 615-254-0575

Source: Cogent-HMG