Community Medical Center to merge and integrate with Geisinger Health System

Geisinger Health System (GHS) and Community Medical Center (CMC) in Scranton announced today the signing of a definitive, comprehensive agreement to fully merge and integrate CMC and all of its entities into Geisinger Health System. Finalization of this arrangement is pending regulatory approval.

"This new relationship will allow the merged organization to build programs, grow services, improve health outcomes and demonstrate value," said Geisinger President & CEO Glenn D. Steele Jr., MD, PhD. "Together, we will enhance our ability to provide superior care and service for all the residents of the Scranton and surrounding area."

Geisinger has committed to invest $158.6 million over seven years to enhance clinical programs, increase physician recruitment, expand and improve facilities, and implement new information systems—including Geisinger's electronic health record technology.

Pending approval by the state Attorney General's Office, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and federal regulators, CMC will join Geisinger Health System, resulting in the Scranton area's most comprehensive and integrated health system with a focus on building programs, improving health outcomes, and demonstrating proven value to patients, employers, insurers and the community. The organizations anticipate finalizing the merger in approximately six months.

"We are looking forward to sharing Geisinger's innovative approaches in providing high quality and value to CMC's patients and service area," said Steele. "CMC has a long history of focusing on doing what is right for patients. We are pleased to bring our organizations together to benefit the northeast community."

"This has been a conscientious and deliberate decision, and we explored a number of options before our board unanimously voted to approve merger and integration into Geisinger," said CMC President and Chief Executive Officer Robert P. Steigmeyer. "It was important for CMC to choose a quality-focused health system with proven success that mirrors our own charitable mission, values and standards of care."

No changes to the employment status of CMC's workforce are expected as a result of this agreement. The medical center will maintain its open medical staff that includes both employed and independent, community physicians. Mr. Steigmeyer will remain president and CEO at CMC, and two members of CMC's Board of Directors -- Chair Jeff Jacobson and Vice Chair Virginia McGregor -- will be added to the Geisinger Board of Directors.

Geisinger and CMC are both Pennsylvania-based, not-for-profit healthcare organizations founded at the turn of the 20th century by visionary women who recognized medical needs in their communities and had the courage and resourcefulness to introduce vital medical centers that are still treating patients today.

"Community Medical Center has been an integral community asset since 1897, and we believe a long-term strategic affiliation will significantly strengthen our ability to fulfill our patient and community service mission," Steigmeyer said. "While we have succeeded as an independent organization, becoming part of a growing, exceptional healthcare system will enable us to thrive."

Geisinger's announced investment over the next seven years is a continuation of the health system's historic re-investment into facilities, technology, people and services to benefit Northeast and Central Pennsylvania residents.

SOURCE Geisinger Health System and Community Medical Center