News Release

FORT WAYNE — Parkview Health and Surgery Partners announced Tuesday, Feb. 20, a collaborative agreement that will grow ambulatory surgical center joint ventures across the state of Indiana. The collaboration aims to serve communities by improving access to high-quality, affordable and patient-centered surgical care in partnership with independent physician groups.

“As the health care provider of choice in northeast Indiana, Parkview Health is excited to expand surgical care throughout the state,” said Dr. Roy Robertson, president, Parkview Heart Institute and specialty service lines. “This partnership will allow us to serve more Indiana communities with convenient, high-quality care, while also reducing their health care costs. By combining the expertise and experience of both organizations, Parkview can continue to strengthen its commitment to increasing access to care.”

“At Surgery Partners, our mission is to enhance patient quality of life through partnership,” said Marissa Brittenham, chief strategy officer, Surgery Partners. “We are pleased to enter the Indiana market with our trusted partners at Parkview. Our organizations together combine clinical operations excellence, deep local market expertise and relationships, and industry-leading surgical facility management.”

Ambulatory surgical centers are stand-alone facilities that provide outpatient surgery separate from an acute care hospital. Ambulatory surgical centers often have lower overhead costs, which can help reduce costs for employers and patients. Parkview has existing ambulatory surgical centers in northeast Indiana where the health care system is based. The new collaborative model will work with physicians to build and acquire ambulatory surgical centers with a focus on increasing access outside of Parkview’s core service area.

“Partnering with physicians is key to our ability to offer the highest quality care,” said Dr. Alan McGee, president, Parkview Health Orthopedics and orthopedic service line. “As a physician-led organization, Parkview values the unique perspectives and expertise physicians bring to the table.”

The partnership will also cultivate relationships with top surgeons in Indiana, Parkview Health said in a news release. Surgeons will have the opportunity to invest in their practice, patients and local community, and have expert support services, while retaining independence and flexibility.