Steamboat Springs, Colo. (March 1, 2017) – Yampa Valley Medical Center (YVMC) is exploring a partnership with UCHealth as YVMC works to establish a clinically integrated network and provide additional services for the northwest Colorado region. This partnership will allow YVMC to continue its growth as a hub of advanced care for patients throughout the region.
In July 2016, YVMC announced its intention to seek a Front Range partner. After an extensive competitive review process, YVMC decided to pursue this partnership with UCHealth, a nationally-recognized health care network in Colorado.
“High quality health care with outstanding service excellence is central to the Triple Aim,” said YVMC Chief Executive Officer Frank May. “We’re excited to explore this partnership through a due diligence process with UCHealth as we look to improve access to and coordination of health care services. Together, our shared missions and visions of excellence in patient-centered, personalized care are well-aligned to meet the changing needs of patients by improving the health of individuals, our community and the value of health care.”
“UCHealth and YVMC have enjoyed nearly 20 years of strong collaboration, supporting each other and providing the very best care for our patients,” said Elizabeth Concordia, UCHealth president and CEO. “Together, through this closer partnership, YVMC will strengthen its position as a destination for advanced care for patients throughout the region.”
Decision to Partner
YVMC chose to seek a Front Range partner to help provide the additional access, care and resources patients deserve. YVMC’s strong financial position, geographic location and reputation in the region made this the right time for it to engage with a partner. With UCHealth interested in expanding its footprint into northwest Colorado, the potential partnership could come together at the right time for both organizations and for patients.
The Future of Health Care in the Yampa Valley
Keeping care local is critical as YVMC looks to improve the health of individuals and the communities it serves. A partnership with UCHealth could help ensure that patients of northwest Colorado have continued access to advanced care close to home, including access to additional specialists, as well as coordinated care should they need to travel elsewhere.
“Health care is something we all need, whether it’s an acute, an emergent or a routine visit,” said YVMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lisa Kettering. “UCHealth works every day to move from health care to health. They understand and echo our desires for how patient care is delivered. We’re excited for the potential for an improved continuum of care for all of our patients.”
“UCHealth is committed to providing advanced care, close to home, for patients,” said UCHealth Chief Medical Officer Bill Neff. “By using innovations like telehealth, virtual visits and multi-disciplinary online consultations, we are able to provide access to nationally-recognized experts and minimize the need for patients to leave their communities.”
Next Steps
Over the past eight months, YVMC’s Board of Trustees, with support from YVMC’s Executive Team and a committee of physicians, conducted significant due diligence with leading Front Range health care systems in the form of site visits, presentations and discussions, keeping the best interest of patients at the forefront of its search for a potential partner. YVMC’s Board of Trustees has decided to continue due diligence exclusively with UCHealth. Huron Consulting Group and its broker-dealer subsidiary Huron Transaction Advisory LLC, and Holland & Hart LLP have been engaged since August 2016 and will continue to provide consultative services and legal counsel to YVMC, respectively.
YVMC expects the due diligence process with UCHealth to continue through the second quarter of 2017. At the conclusion of due diligence and if an agreement is finalized, YVMC would become part of the UCHealth family.
“YVMC is excited about the positive impact UCHealth could help us have on individuals, our community and the value of health care as we begin the next chapter of patient care in the Yampa Valley,” said May.