HEALTH FIRST ACQUIRES MIMA

By  //  November 16, 2012

HEALTHCARE NEWS

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Health First announced today that it will acquire Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates (MIMA), a multi-specialty physician group based in Melbourne. 

Steve Johnson

This acquisition will enable Health First to combine MIMA physicians with its existing multi-specialty physician group in order to improve the health and well-being of Brevard residents. This new entity will be called the Health First Medical Group.

“Health First is pleased to make this acquisition announcement,” said Steve Johnson, President/CEO of Health First.

“As Health First moves to enhance its Integrated Value Based Delivery Network in order to increase patient quality, safety, and the patient experience, this acquisition enables Health First to strategically align physicians who share the same vision and philosophies. By joining our physician groups, Health First will be able to reduce costs to those we serve. ”

James Ronaldson

According to James Ronaldson, MD and CEO of MIMA, this strategic alignment makes sense to better serve the patients in the community.

“By combining our resources under one organization, patients will have access to a stronger, more unified network of primary care physicians, specialists, sub-specialists, and ancillary services that can address all levels of medical care for the patients we serve.”

Will Begin Operation Next February

Once the acquisition has been approved by appropriate legal and governmental agencies, the Health First Medical Group, which will begin operation in mid-February 2013, will be comprised of approximately 250 physician providers. Locations of these physician offices will provide easy access and patient-focused health care. Once completed, Health First will employ more than 7,500 employees across Brevard.

Once the acquisition has been approved by appropriate legal and governmental agencies, the Health First Medical Group, which will begin operation in mid-February 2013, will be comprised of approximately 250 physician providers.

“The decision to create the Health First Medical Group should signal to Brevard County residents that these physicians and their staffs are focused on providing them with excellent, compassionate, and high-quality care, and that we are prepared for the increasing obligation to improve the lives of those we serve in Brevard County,” said Johnson.

The integration of these two physician groups has begun, under the guidance of a strategic consulting firm that has expertise in specialized acquisitions, and is expected to take between 18 to 24 months. Communication will begin immediately to inform patients of the new physician alignment. The transition to Health First Medical Group is expected to be seamless to current and future patients.

Fully Integrated Health System

Health First is Central Florida’s only fully integrated health system.

With a mission to positively change the health and wellness of the communities it serves, Health First offers the latest technological advances and quality care at their four hospitals and through their outpatient and wellness services – as well as the area’s only Trauma and Heart Centers. Health First also offers multiple commercial and Medicare health plans, a multi-specialty physician group, and four fitness centers to help members of our community stay healthy.