INDIANAPOLIS – St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has acquired the Immediate Care Centers with offices located throughout the Indianapolis metropolitan area.
The agreement, effective Nov. 1, allows the hospital to operate four Immediate Care Centers located at 1001 N. Madison Ave. (Greenwood), 650 N. Girls School Road (Chapel Hill), 860 E. 86th St. (Nora), and 992 North Mitthoeffer Road (Washington Square).
“Immediate Care Center is a tremendously successful enterprise, offering accessible, economical medical care to patients, particularly for those with minor accidents and illnesses who don’t require a visit to a hospital emergency room,” said Jay Brehm, St. Francis executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Launched in 1981 by the Bloomington, Ind.-based Unity Physician Group, the four locations collectively see about 100,000 patients each year. Each Center is always staffed by at least one physician and a highly trained staff committed to deliver service excellence.
“We are delighted to become a part of the St. Francis central Indiana system,” said Michael D. Bishop, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the Immediate Care Centers. “We needed a partner to help us expand and grow our presence. St. Francis is the perfect partner to help the Immediate Care Centers increase access to care for patients with acute illnesses and injuries.“
Immediate Care Centers medical and administrative leadership team will continue to guide and direct current and future operations and will become employees of St. Francis along with physicians and staff.
The acquisition of the Immediate Care Centers expands access points and is part of St. Francis’ strategy of providing better health care for patients at a lower cost.
An article appearing in Health Affairs magazine (September 2010) strongly suggests that the urgent care centers such as the Immediate Care Centers are vital alternatives to ease the strain on hospital emergency rooms, where many patients go even though hospital care is not needed.
The centers acquired by St. Francis are open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the year and no appointment is needed.
