Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics (MMHC) and CentraCare have entered into a Collaboration and Services Agreement effective February 1, 2020. At the heart of this agreement is a desire by both organizations to collaborate with each other to deliver and lead effective, efficient, convenient and coordinated health care services throughout Meeker County.
“This opportunity allows us to remain independent while leveraging the expertise, resources and experience of CentraCare,” said Beth Oberg, chair of MMHC’s board of directors and Meeker County Commissioner. “Together we’ll be better positioned to enhance the quality of care, improve outcomes and deliver an even better patient experience.”
A cornerstone of this agreement includes transitioning Carris Health – Litchfield Clinics to a provider-based clinic model allowing physicians, clinic services and hospital to integrate the delivery of health care services under one operation. “Forming a provider based-clinic allows for better continuity of care between the hospital and clinic,” said Kurt Waldbillig, CEO of Meeker Memorial. “It will make it easier for our staff and providers to work together and have an immeasurable impact on the lives of the patients we serve.” The clinics will be operated by the hospital through a lease with Carris Health, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CentraCare.
As health care continues to evolve and change, we are facing many challenges including rising costs and declining reimbursement. The collaboration between Meeker Memorial and CentraCare will ensure that health care services in our region remain viable and better positioned to serve the needs of the residents of Meeker County and surrounding area.
“This collaboration blends the best of Meeker Memorial and CentraCare,” says Dr. Ken Holmen, CEO of CentraCare. “It delivers on the promise of Meeker Memorial’s mission by leveraging CentraCare’s experience in primary and specialty care and will provide patients with reliable and consistent access to a full range of health care services close to home.”
The relationship will allow for greater efficiencies and better patient experience across the continuum of care, including one electronic medical record system, registration and billing for coordinated patient care and future growth.
Meeker Memorial Hospital, owned by Meeker County, will remain independent of CentraCare.
About Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics
Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics (MMHC), is a county-owned, not-for-profit, 35-bed healthcare facility in Litchfield, Minnesota. As a community hospital it’s at the forefront of medical technology, service and care and offers sophisticated diagnostic, surgical, rehabilitation, behavioral health and specialty services with the personal attention and respect that patients deserve. In addition to being an acute care, critical access hospital, MMHC offers 24-hour emergency, inpatient services and outpatient services designed to bring specialty care close to home by offering physicians and program specialists for consultation, diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. Learn more at meekermemorial.org.
About CentraCare
Our roots go back to 1886 when St. Cloud Hospital was built to serve the health care needs of people living in Central Minnesota. In 1995, CentraCare was formed, which today includes 8 hospitals located in St. Cloud, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Willmar, Redwood Falls and Sauk Centre. We also have more than 30 clinics, 11 senior housing facilities and 8 long-term care facilities throughout the area.
CentraCare has grown to meet the needs of the communities and is now one of the largest health systems in Minnesota. This means we’re able to offer the latest advancements in care, technology and treatments close to home. But what makes CentraCare special is not our facilities or technology. It’s our people. We live in the communities we serve. We’re neighbors, friends and family. Learn more at centracare.com.
