Two of the Twin Cities' most prominent health care providers have officially become a single organization.
Officials from HealthPartners and Park Nicollet Health Services have completed work to join the two systems, which will operate under the name HealthPartners and be led by a consumer-governed board of directors, sources said today.
"Park Nicollet and HealthPartners, each formed through many strong partnerships and combinations over the decades, have shared a common mission for years," said Mary Brainerd, president and CEO. "With this combination, we intend to focus on making people healthier, making health care more affordable, and creating the best possible experiences for patients and members."
The combined organizations will serve more than 1.4 million medical and dental members and 1 million patients in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.
Officials said patients should not notice any disruption in services and that no clinics will close. Current HealthPartners and Park Nicollet facilities will continue operate under their current names, and patients of either system will have the same access and care coverage under their health plan as they did before, said Jeff Shelman, a HealthPartners spokesman.
By coming together, patients will provide stronger coordination of care, shared planning and capital investments and more choice and value for consumers, Shelman said.
"We will work to improve health in our community and help the people we serve live their lives to the fullest," said David Abelson, president of the Park Nicollet HealthPartners Care Group. "After many months of imagining this partnership, we're delighted to begin it today."
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768 Twitter: @timstrib
