July 3, 2012

CONTACT:
Communications Department
(320) 251-2700, ext. 74980

CentraCare Health System and Paynesville Area Health Care System begin due diligence process

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – The District Board of Directors for the Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS) recently voted to sign a letter of intent with CentraCare Health System to begin a due diligence process to determine the feasibility of creating a formal association between the two health care organizations. The due diligence process is expected to take 12-18 months.

PAHCS is comprised of a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, specialty outreach clinic, five family medical clinics and three senior living facilities. Ancillary support includes ambulance, laboratory, pharmacy, rehabilitation, radiology, social work and dietary departments which offer patient services to the hospital and many of their satellite clinics. The system is home to 16 medical providers, including Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners along with two clinical pharmacists.

Through this study, both parties will discover whether a closer relationship should be formed to retain physicians, increase services, secure financial viability and fulfill the mission, vision and values set forth by each health care system. No formal decisions will be made until the due diligence report is complete. Communication updates will be made throughout the process.

CentraCare Health System is a not-for-profit entity and includes four hospitals (Oct. 2012), 10 clinics in eight Central Minnesota communities, and five long-term care facilities (Oct. 2012).

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