New health system forms in Maryland

Two healthcare organizations based in Maryland have merged to form a new health system, dubbed Luminus Health.

Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC), a regional health system based in Annapolis, includes a 349-bed not-for-profit hospital, a multi-specialty medical group, imaging and lab services, community care clinics, a research institute, a substance use treatment center and health enterprises. It has more than 1,2000 medical staff members, 4,700 employees and 1,000 volunteers. Doctors Community Health System is a network of medical and surgical services with a flagship hospital in Lanham, Maryland.

The two organizations signed an intent to partner in May, which a definitive agreement closed July 1. The new Luminus Health is expected to launch Spring 2020, with full integration of the systems expected to take two years. The merger is the latest among a rapid pick-up in M&A activity across the hospital and health system market.

“For years, Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctors Community Health System have shared a dedication to compassionate care, delivered when and where people need it most,” Victoria Bayless, president/CEO of AAMC and CEO of Luminis Health, said in a statement. “We’re carrying that same commitment into the future as Luminis Health, a health system that is here to embrace progress and awaken a new era in care for our communities.”

The name of the health system changed Sept. 17 and the combined entity is still determining how the new system name will apply to the names of the existing hospitals “while respecting the legacies of each,” according to a press release. There will be no immediate changes to patients, including insurance coverage and access to patient portals.

The integrated system will offer improved access and population health to its community, according to the press release.

“We are committed to lighting the way to the highest quality, personalized health care to meet our patients’ needs,” Gary Jobson, board chair of Luminis Health, said in a statement. “The benefits of combining and creating the new health system include more entry points for coordinated care across the region, improved access to care close to home, enhanced quality and improved health outcomes.”

Amy Baxter

Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."