MEDNAX acquires neonatal physician group in Louisiana

MEDNAX, Inc., (NYSE:MD) today announced the acquisition of a neonatal physician group based in Alexandria, Louisiana.

“Our practice has provided care for thousands of babies in central Louisiana, and at this time, we want to add to our successes by bringing the latest advancements and best practices in neonatal care to the patients in our community”

The practice consists of two physicians who staff the Level III Regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital. The NICU has annual volume of more than 3,500 patient days.

Dr. Nijjar and St. Frances Cabrini Hospital were responsible for establishing the first NICU in central Louisiana more than 25 years ago. Today, the group serves patients from nine parishes in the area and provides an active ground and air transport program covering a 60-mile radius.

The physicians will practice as part of MEDNAX’s Pediatrix Medical Group, a national medical group consisting of the nation’s leading neonatal, maternal-fetal medicine and pediatric cardiology physicians.

“Our practice has provided care for thousands of babies in central Louisiana, and at this time, we want to add to our successes by bringing the latest advancements and best practices in neonatal care to the patients in our community,” said Amar Nijjar, M.D., who will serve as Pediatrix’s medical director for the practice. “As part of a national group practice, we’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with physicians around the country to share clinical information and participate in clinical quality initiatives that we believe will help us continue to improve care and lead to better outcomes for our patients.”

MEDNAX paid cash for the practice, and the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to its earnings. No additional terms of the transaction were disclosed.

With this acquisition, MEDNAX has completed 11 physician group practice acquisitions during 2009.