Jefferson Regional Announces Plans for Strategic Partnership with Highmark

Updated on June 21, 2012

Jefferson Regional Medical Center today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously voted to pursue a strategic partnership with Highmark. The announcement was made by John J. Dempster, President and CEO, Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Highmark’s Chairman of the Board J. Robert Baum, Ph.D.

“This is an important milestone for Jefferson Regional Medical Center. This new relationship is a positive step for our organization, one that will enhance the work of our medical staff and our employees — and the lives of our patients,” said Mr. Dempster. “Their good health will continue to be the primary concern of our caring physicians, and our patients will be the recipients of the expanded services and innovative technologies.”

From left: J. Robert Baum, Ph.D., Highmark Chairman of the Board; John Dempster, President and CEO, Jefferson Regional Medical Center; Richard Collins, Jr., M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Jefferson Regional Medical Center; John W. Paul, Highmark Leader Integrated Delivery System; Charles Modispacher, Chairperson, Jefferson Regional Board of Directors; and James Cooper, Senior Executive Vice President, Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

This partnership is an important step in the development of Highmark’s integrated delivery system. The partnership is expected to create even higher quality healthcare, improve care coordination through innovative technologies, expand community-based services and generate a more satisfying care experience for patients.

“This partnership demonstrates the commitment of Highmark and Jefferson to working together to create a more modern, efficient health care system,” said Dr. Baum. “It keeps care in the community, creating greater convenience for patients and maintaining the economic vitality of the South Hills.”

Jefferson Regional Medical Center will be an important part of Highmark’s integrated delivery system in its southern service region. Highmark’s support will benefit the community in a variety of ways:

  • A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department and expanded services at the Bethel Park Campus.
  • Expanded clinical services, such as neurosurgery and gynecology.
  • $75 million for improved community health and wellness care with Highmark support to Jefferson’s Foundation.

Highmark has committed to supporting Jefferson’s medical staff in providing health and wellness care in the community, and promoting the Jefferson brand. The management of Jefferson Regional Medical Center and Highmark will continue discussions with the goal of finalizing the relationship, which must be approved by the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Allegheny County Orphan’s Court.

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