Wellstar Expands Discussion To Identify A Long-Term Solution For Critical Healthcare In Atlanta Medical Center Communities
Wellstar Health System, one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated healthcare systems, today announced that the organization is expanding its discussion and engagement process for potential partners in working with the Atlanta Medical Center (AMC). The not-for-profit health system will seek interested partners to address a long-term, sustainable solution that meets the critical healthcare needs of the AMC communities.
Through a comprehensive review of the operating model at AMC, which is primarily reactive, acute care and emergency medicine, Wellstar determined that the care delivery model must be transformed to better meet community needs and reach long-term sustainability. This transformation will be centered on three fundamental areas, including making additional investment in AMC physicians and team members, reimagining the development and implementation of a more proactive care model, and addressing the limitations of aging facilities. Wellstar plans to explore a variety of strategic options and will be inviting select organizations that meet its partnership criteria to submit proposals to further support Wellstar AMC.
“For the past four years, we’ve been on this journey with the Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center teams and physicians to understand the individual needs of the AMC communities, to extend our mission, and increase the standard of care, said Candice Saunders, FACHE, president and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “As an invested community partner, we believe these communities need a long-term, sustainable solution—one that works to improve overall health and well-being. Our priority is finding the right solution for the community and our current investments are not enough to fulfill these critical needs.”
Wellstar has made significant investments including hiring top talent, offering a broader set of services and updating aging facilities and infrastructure—over $126 million across both Wellstar AMC campuses. In just a few short years, the health system has vastly improved the quality of care provided at these facilities. Wellstar has also expanded primary care in Camp Creek, nine miles from Wellstar AMC’s south campus, and developed a family medicine and imaging center—Wellstar Primary Care which is scheduled to open on February 24, 2020. In fiscal year 2019, AMC provided more than $113 million in uncompensated care—second only to Grady Health System.
“At AMC, we are people taking care of people and are extremely proud of our progress in serving these communities. However, a long-term, sustainable solution will require a substantial, additional investment that we, as a not-for-profit, cannot fund alone while maintaining access to care for everyone we serve,” said Kem Mullins, executive vice president of Ambulatory and Business Development, Wellstar Health System. “As a result, we’re expanding our discussions to include others who believe there is a better, more sustainable way to meet the healthcare needs of our Atlanta communities.”
As the health system explores a variety of strategic options, it will be engaging with elected officials, community leaders, potential partners, and those who may be willing to invest in the right solution for serving the AMC communities. Wellstar acknowledged that how this process transpires in the months ahead remains unknown. It is committed to keeping everyone informed and will continue listening to everyone, including team members, physicians and the community, to inform the path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Is AMC closing?
No, AMC is not closing. We believe the AMC communities need a long-term, sustainable solution—one that works to improve overall health and well-being. we want to be clear that our efforts to find a long-term solution will not affect AMC’s daily operations or our on-going commitment to AMC. We are here to support the AMC teams in the delivery of safe, high-quality, personalized care for everyone.
What will happen to my medical records? Can I still see my doctor?
Our efforts to find a long-term solution will not affect AMC’s daily operations.
Why is Wellstar seeking proposals and broader input?
We believe there is a better way to meet the short and long-term healthcare needs of our Atlanta communities and our priority is finding the right solution for the community.
How will the community be involved in this process?
We have decided to explore a variety of strategic options and will be inviting select organizations that meet our partnership criteria to submit proposals. We are also engaging with elected officials, community leaders, potential partners, and those who may be willing to invest in the right solution for serving the AMC communities.
