St. Louis-based SSM Health Care is in negotiations to operate and manage Audrain Medical Center, an 88-bed not-for-profit hospital in Mexico, Mo., a community about 120 miles northwest of St. Louis.
Audrain had been exploring potential affiliations and decided to enter exclusive talks with SSM in part because, according to Audrain President and Chief Executive David Neuendorf, SSM and Audrain share a similar mission, vision and values "centered around local access to value-based care." He said in an announcement that partnering with SSM will enhance Audrain's ability to provide coordinated, high-quality care.
As Catholic Health World went to press, information was not available on the potential structure of the deal, nor the exact timeline. The organizations said they could finalize their agreement by spring or summer.
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