Catholic Orgs Agree to Merge, Form Integrated Healthcare Network

Catholic organizations SSM Health and Saint Louis University have announced a merger agreement to create an integrated healthcare network and improve health outcomes and health equity for the St. Louis community.

The agreement proposes the acquisition of St. Louis University’s SLUCare Physician Group by SSM Health. The deal will combine SLUCare Physician Group’s academic medical expertise with SSM Health’s community-based care model to create an integrated healthcare network, according to the announcement.

SSM Health, SLUCare Physician Group, and Saint Louis University School of Medicine have previously partnered to deliver care at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

Once SSM Health fully integrates SLUCare Physician Group into its nonprofit healthcare system, the St. Louis population and surrounding communities will have improved access to primary care, preventive services, specialized quaternary procedures, and clinical trials, the organizations said.

The agreement also solidifies an investment in the Saint Louis University School of Medicine to expand clinical research, medical training, and education.

“The integration of SLUCare into SSM Health – St. Louis will create one of the most comprehensive fully integrated academic and community-based physician groups in the region, with more than 1,200 providers,” Fred P. Pestello, PhD, president of Saint Louis University, said in the press release.

“This partnership will bolster our collective goal to improve the quality of life across generations and cultures while addressing the social determinants of health that prevent our neighbors from living life to the fullest. It will further serve to strengthen the academic and research missions of the School of Medicine.”

SLUCare employs more than 600 staff members and offers services in over 50 medical specialties. The physician group will join SSM Health – St. Louis as an academic physician division and work alongside SSM Health’s over 600 community-based providers across more than 50 physician offices. SSM Health – St. Louis also offers comprehensive virtual and digital health services.

“Working together, we can better meet the comprehensive needs of patients, as well as employers and payers who are looking to partner with health systems that can offer the full range of healthcare services, including the expanded breadth of specialists that an academic medical practice can provide,” Jeremy Fotheringham, regional president of SSM Health, stated in the press release. “Through seamless access and care coordination, we’ll be able to deliver unparalleled value and convenience.”

In addition to Illinois, SSM Health provides healthcare services across Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, operating 23 hospitals, more than 290 physician offices, 10 post-acute care facilities, home care and hospice services, and an accountable care organization.

SSM Health and SLUCare Physician Group stated that the integration would not disrupt patient healthcare access. Pending regulatory approvals, the agreement is expected to be finalized sometime this summer.

While legal pushback from the Department of Justice has put an end to recent healthcare mergers, it has not dissuaded others from initiating new agreements.

For example, Trinity Health, a nonprofit Catholic organization, recently announced plans to fully acquire Iowa-based health system MercyOne to streamline healthcare access for Iowa residents.

Additionally, in March 2022, healthcare providers Fresenius Health Partners, InterWell Health, and Cricket Health signed a definitive merger agreement to create one company that offers value-based kidney care services.