Aquidneck Medical Associates to Merge With University Medicine Foundation

PROVIDENCE, RI – Aquidneck Medical Associates and University Medicine Foundation today announced that their two physician groups will merge operations effective January 1, 2014. The new medical group will include 185 physicians and 200 staff serving more than 100,000 patients throughout most of Rhode Island, with combined revenues of more than $70 million. Both groups are leaders in health care reform and technology, including offering electronic medical records and patient portals. No change in staffing is expected.

Keivan Ettefagh, M.D., president of Aquidneck Medical Associates, says, “We expect this merger will in the near future bring high quality specialty care closer to the residents of Newport and Portsmouth.  Soon, patients will no longer have to cross two bridges and drive 30 miles to reach many spets.”

University Medicine has 15 locations throughout the state that offer primary care and 10 different medical specialties.  It is affiliated with Brown University and the Lifespan health system, which includes some of the most prestigious hospitals in Rhode Island – Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Bradley Hospital and Newport Hospital.

Lou Rice, M.D., president of University Medicine Foundation, says, “The combined operations of our two groups will allow us to expand services to patients, participate in new programs with insurers, and continue to enhance our technology and improve administrative services.”

Aquidneck Medical Associates is comprised of 11 primary care physicians and 38 staff in two locations.  The group has been a leader in Rhode Island in patient-centered care and the development of electronic patient medical records.  Dr. Ettefagh noted, “A significant factor in our decision to join University Medicine is that our patients will see little if any change and our physicians and staff will be able to continue to provide personalized care for our patients.  We will continue to serve patients as Aquidneck Medical Associates Affiliated with University Medicine Foundation.”

Joining University Medicine will enable Aquidneck to advance the delivery of health care as they have done with their patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs).  The merger will enhance the ability of both groups to participate in new healthcare models under the Affordable Care Act, such as accountable care organizations (ACOs).

University Medicine also has made it a priority to add more primary care physicians, which is critical given under health care reform and the current and projected shortage of primary care providers. Dr. Rice said, “The opportunity to affiliate with a high quality group like Aquidneck comes at the right time. We’ll be better able to participate in new models of care that will give patients better service and access to care, while keeping healthcare costs under control.”

University Medicine is also in discussions with other physician groups in Rhode Island. Dr. Rice commented, “Our flexible approach makes us attractive to medical groups who want the administrative and support services we can provide, but who also want to maintain some autonomy in their operations, staffing, and clinical care delivery.”

For more information, visit www.aquidneckmed.com or www.umfmed.org.

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