Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital and the University of South Florida Health in Tampa are teaming up to create one of the largest academic medical groups in Florida, the Business Observer reported Aug. 12.
Under the deal, the two organizations will put their existing medical groups under a single administrative umbrella that they will jointly control. The new organization, slated to be created in October, will be called the University of South Florida Tampa General Physicians.
About 1,400 employees will comprise the new organization, including more than 800 healthcare providers.
Tampa General and USF Health said creating this organization will allow for more coordinated patient care and increase care access.
USF Health added that the arrangement will limit the university's financial exposure while allowing it to hire more specialists. Tampa General said the affiliation will reduce costs for the two organizations and boost revenue over time.
"Patients will experience the best of both worlds as we come together as one united physicians group," John Couris, Tampa General president and CEO, said in a news release. "TGH, USF and our private practice physicians have always had the most success when working together to improve health in Tampa Bay. Now that we are more closely strategically aligned, we can create a powerhouse that delivers world-class healthcare on the west coast of Florida."
Tampa General and USF Health have started a national search for the new organization's first leader.