Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1368676
48 JOINT VENTURES Massachusetts, Rhode Island practices to forge 60-plus physician group By Alan Condon P rovidence, R.I.-based University Orthopedics is partnering with Easton, Mass.-based Orthopedic Care Physician Network to become one of the big- gest orthopedic groups in New England. The partnership, effective July 1, will include more than 60 physicians, almost 650 staff and 13 locations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In February, University Orthopedics opened an office with three physicians in Mansfield, Mass., its first in the state. "When the planning process began for our new location in Mansfield ... discussions about potential collabora- tions with OCPN manifested," Edward Akelman, MD, president of University Orthopedics, said in a Feb. 16 news release. "We came to realize that many similarities existed within our organizations, and it became appar- ently clear that a partnership just made sense." University Orthopedics hopes the added locations will strengthen its newly formed partnership with the Mas- sachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. n MpowerHealth invests $7M toward orthopedic value- based programs By Alan Condon O ver the last two years, Addison, Texas-based MpowerHealth has invested more than $7 million to develop data analytics and information tech- nology to support clinically integrated networks in Texas, Ohio and Georgia, among other states. The investments focused on building a foundation of data analytics and ensuring independent physician practices are supported with key personnel hires. "The massive infrastructure that we have developed to support our clinically integrated networks will allow inde- pendent physicians to maintain their autonomy while giv- ing them access to the tools needed to improve outcomes and bring value-based care to their patients in need," Scott LaRoque, CEO and founder of MpowerHealth, said in a March 1 news release. MpowerHealth is creating clinically integrated networks for musculoskeletal physicians in several areas of the country. In Texas, more than 40 practices are included in MpowerHealth's network. In October, spine surgeon Adam Bruggeman, MD, was named CMO of MpowerHealth and named to its advisory board. n SCL Health buys Montana orthopedic group By Carly Behm SCL Health acquired Butte-based Montana Orthopedics. Montana Orthopedics' four physicians and 29 employees will transition to SCL Health Medical Group, according to a March 16 news release. The practice will remain at its cur- rent location, and SCL Health patients can access orthope- dic services. "Montana Orthopedics has a desire to grow across the region by adding locations, physicians and services to our current practice," physician Nick DiGiovine, MD, said. "We believe that partnering with SCL Health will provide the best opportunity to grow and continue providing our high level of services across the region on behalf of the com- munities and patients we serve today." n CRH Medical forms joint venture to serve Florida ASC By Carly Behm C RH Medical formed a joint venture with a Florida gastroenterology anesthesia practice in Largo, Fla. CRH owns 51 percent of the practice, according to a March 11 news release. The joint venture serves one ASC, and it will be worked into CRH Medical's joint ven- ture with Florida Digestive Health Specialists Anesthesia. This marks CRH Medical's second transaction in 2021. It acquired Edison, N.J.-based Oak Tree Anesthesia As- sociates Feb. 9. n