CAMDEN — In anticipation of coming changes to the national healthcare system, Lourdes Health System is acquiring Associated Cardiovascular Consultants (ACC), one of Southern New Jersey’s largest medical practices with seven offices and 31 cardiologists.
A significant result of the acquisition will be the formation of a clinical co-management arrangement in which ACC and other Lourdes cardiologists will manage hospital-based cardiac services jointly with the medical center. The model differs from conventional hospital/physician joint ventures in that the hospital maintains ownership of the clinical service line and resulting revenue stream, while physicians gain greater participation in planning, budgeting, clinical program development, quality oversight and improved patient experience.
“In the future, we believe hospitals and physicians will increasingly be paid for value and quality rather than volume,” said Alexander J. Hatala, Chief Executive Officer for Lourdes Health System.
“Our partnership with ACC in a clinical co-management Arrangement will allow us to increase quality, reduce cost, avoid duplication of services and increase coordination of care. This model is similar to the ideal promoted by forward-leaning organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and Geisinger Health System,” he said.