UnityPoint, New Mexico health systems pursuing agreement

WEST DES MOINES — UnityPoint Health has signed a letter of intent with New Mexico-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services to explore forming a new health care organization.

The proposed company would see both systems preserve their brand and continue delivering care locally while collectively achieving administrative efficiencies under a parent organization.

“UnityPoint Health and Presbyterian are two organizations rooted in similar values,” Clay Holderman, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health, said in a statement.

“By lowering administrative costs, building new capabilities and increasing investments in innovation and clinical excellence, our intent is to help improve affordability and accessibility of care.”

Dale Maxwell, president and CEO of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, said in a statement that as a nonprofit health system, Presbyterian “must pave a sustainable path forward to continue serving our communities. … We know that partnering with like-minded health systems will allow us to accelerate our effort.”

Combined, UnityPoint Health and Presbyterian serve 4 million patients and members in more than 40 hospitals, hundreds of clinics and health plan operations.

The two organizations have 40,000 employees, including nearly 3,000 physicians and advanced practice clinicians, according to a Thursday news release.

Goals for the new health care organization include greater investments in clinical excellence, digital innovation, workforce development and value-based care while lowering overall administrative costs.

Both systems will be working toward a definitive agreement and regulatory approvals, the news release stated.

St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids is part of the UnityPoint Health system.