Midwest Heart to merge with Advocate Medical Group

Midwest Heart Specialists, the largest independent cardiology practice in Illinois with 50 physicians, said Thursday that it has signed a letter of intent to integrate with Advocate Medical Group, one of the state’s largest medical groups. Both are based in Oak Brook. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Midwest Heart Specialists and AMG each have more than three decades of patient care experience. With more than 800 primary and specialty care physicians, AMG serves communities in 90 locations throughout Chicago and suburban area as well as the Bloomington/Normal, Ill., region.

Midwest Heart Specialists has been serving the cardiac needs of thousands of heart patients throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area and Rockford, Ill., since 1973. In 2010, physicians at Midwest Heart Specialists coordinated nearly 16,000 inpatient admissions and more than 80,000 outpatient visits. In addition to earning numerous physician accolades, Midwest Heart Specialists has been nationally recognized for its quality data and early adoption of electronic medical records.

“Midwest Heart Specialists and AMG share a vision to improve the quality of heart care and health outcomes,” said James Dan, president of AMG. “We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic team of physicians to the Advocate family.”

AMG is a part of Advocate Health Care, recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 health systems. Advocate treats more hearts than any other health system in the state. This union with Midwest Heart Specialists would expand Advocate’s patient base through AMG. Midwest Heart Specialists already participates in Advocate’s nationally recognized Clinical Integration Program. Known for efficiently and effectively delivering outstanding coordinated health care with better patient outcomes, Advocate’s Clinical Integration Program aligns with the Accountable Care Organization model, which focuses on achieving both cost and quality improvements through coordinated and collaborative patient care.

“We have had a very good relationship with Advocate for many years. We believe aligning with this well respected organization provides us with an opportunity to expand cardiovascular services with cardiologists from central Illinois to the north,” said Vincent Bufalino, chairman and CEO of Midwest Heart Specialists. “We strongly believe this will allow us to continue growing and recruiting the best cardiologists in the country. This decision supports Midwest Heart’s strong commitment to provide the highest quality of care and excellent outcomes for our patients.”

Midwest Heart Specialists will continue to provide clinical services in the same non-Advocate office locations and area hospitals where they currently practice. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, subject to the completion of due diligence, execution of a definitive agreement, regulatory and other approvals.