Arnot Health and Cayuga Health have officially joined forces to create Centralus Health, a new healthcare system dedicated to enhancing personalized care programs across the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Central New York regions. This exciting partnership was announced at media events held at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca and Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, signaling a transformative vision for healthcare delivery.
Dr. Martin Stallone, now CEO of both Cayuga Health and Centralus Health, emphasized the patient-centric approach of this affiliation. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to expanding access to superior healthcare services for every community member we serve,” Dr. Stallone stated. “Together, as Centralus Health, we are better positioned to broaden our service offerings, reach more individuals in need, and invest strategically in the future of local healthcare. A key focus will be enhancing Arnot Health Personalized Care Programs to ensure every patient receives the tailored support they deserve.” Immediate plans include increasing primary care accessibility in Chemung and Tompkins counties and the upcoming implementation of EPIC and MyChart systems to revolutionize patient care through advanced technology.
The integration of EPIC, a leading electronic health record system, is slated to begin in March 2025. This system-wide rollout across all Arnot Health and Cayuga Health facilities under the Centralus Health umbrella promises a significantly improved experience for both patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, MyChart, EPIC’s patient portal, will empower individuals to actively participate in their healthcare journey. Patients will gain seamless access to manage appointments, communicate directly with their care teams, and engage more proactively in their personalized care plans.
Tom LiVigne, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Cayuga Health, highlighted the deeper purpose behind the collaboration. “Our alliance goes beyond simply merging resources; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we can best serve our communities’ health needs,” Mr. LiVigne explained. “This partnership is built upon shared values, a strong commitment to our local communities, and an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare, including and especially Arnot Health personalized care programs. By working together, we are ensuring greater access to the vital medical services our patients depend on, delivered with a personal touch.”
The initial exploration of a partnership between Arnot Health and Cayuga Health commenced on April 14, 2023. Since then, both organizations have engaged in thorough evaluations, in-depth discussions, and actively sought feedback from various stakeholders, including patients, staff, and community leaders. This comprehensive approach underscores Centralus Health’s commitment to community-driven healthcare solutions and robust Arnot Health personalized care programs.
Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health and now Executive Vice President of Centralus Health, addressed the operational advantages of the partnership. “As health systems navigate increasing financial pressures and workforce challenges, this partnership allows us to optimize shared resources, improve operational efficiencies, and ultimately reduce costs,” Mr. Lawrence noted. “Centralus Health remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening community connections and raising the bar for personalized care in every service we provide, building upon the strong foundation of Arnot Health personalized care program initiatives.”
Centralus Health is dedicated to significant investments in facility improvements and workforce development. The partnership will expand access to a comprehensive range of services, including specialized care that was previously challenging to offer independently. These expanded services encompass crucial areas such as emergency care, advanced cardiac care, cancer treatment, labor and delivery, NICU, outpatient services, behavioral health, substance use rehabilitation, long-term care, home nursing, durable medical equipment, and emergency transportation. This broader spectrum of services will be delivered with the patient at the center, emphasizing personalized care, a hallmark of the Arnot Health personalized care program.
Jan van den Blink, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Arnot Health, conveyed enthusiasm for the future. “We are incredibly excited about the opportunities this partnership unlocks to deliver even greater value to our communities,” Mr. van den Blink stated. “The combined strengths and complementary expertise of both organizations uniquely position Centralus Health to better address the evolving needs of our patients while continuously enhancing the quality of care we provide, particularly through enriched and expanded Arnot Health personalized care programs.”
Centralus Health in Numbers:
- 6,500 Employees
- $1 Billion in Annual Medical Services
- 1,800 Births Per Year
- 15,600 Annual Hospital Visits
- 86,400 Annual Emergency Room Visits
- 847,000 Annual Outpatient Appointments
