The Carle Foundation and Christie Clinic will be entering into a joint operating and ownership agreement effective February 1, 2013 for the Carle Champaign SurgiCenter. This agreement will enable both organizations to work together to develop increased offerings for outpatient surgical services.
“At Carle we are continually looking for ways to expand access to care for the people in our community,” said Dennis Hesch, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Carle Foundation. “Many Christie physicians are already on staff at Carle Foundation Hospital and Champaign SurgiCenter, but this partnership gives Christie Clinic a voice in how the Carle SurgiCenter can meet the needs of their physicians and patients, thereby encouraging use of this convenient, low-cost option for outpatient surgery.”
Under this new partnership, Carle will continue to manage the facility, including managing its ongoing operations. A shared governance committee will be established, including Christie Clinic leaders and physicians, which will have a voice in the day-to-day decision making about equipment needs and facility scheduling.
“Christie Clinic is committed to providing our patients the best possible care and the Champaign SurgiCenter is a less costly, more accessible and more convenient setting for many procedures,” said Kenny Bilger, Chief Financial Officer, Christie Clinic. “Partnering with Carle gives Christie Clinic physicians a voice in managing the facility and it gives our patients greater access to outpatient surgery services. Having the option of choosing an outpatient procedure when possible is a major enhancement. Giving Christie leadership and physicians a voice in operating decisions gives us added confidence this partnership will benefit our patients and physicians alike.”
Patients must be eligible to have surgery in the ambulatory surgery center setting. Procedures currently offered and commonly performed at the SurgiCenter include typical outpatient procedures from the following specialties: general surgery, gynecology, podiatry, urology, orthopedics, pain management, gastroenterology, and ear, nose and throat, and more.
Champaign SurgiCenter accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Alliance Medical Plans, Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare HMOs, United, Coventry, Cigna and other insurance plans.
Final agreements were approved and signed by both Carle and Christie Clinic leadership on January 28, 2013. Patients interested in the outpatient surgical option should speak to their physician.
www.carle.org
www.christieclinic.org