Under the proposed agreement, Maine Medical’s parent company, MaineHealth, would employ the physicians and acquire both practices offices and equipment, according to the report.
The deal, however, faces challenges from Mercy Hospital in Portland and Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. These competing hospitals argue Maine Medical’s acquisition of the cardiology practices would give them a monopoly on cardiology services.
MaineHealth and the cardiology practices requested a change in state law that would allow the deal to go through if the groups could demonstrate the merger is in the public interest — for example, lower prices and greater access. However, that effort halted with the close of the legislative session.
MaineHealth and the physicians must now decide whether or not they will merge before the next legislative session, which doesn’t begin until winter, according to the report.
Read the Portland Press’ report on the Maine Medical Center cardiology mergers.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
