Pinnacle to partner with Rush on dermatology care
Lombard-based Pinnacle Dermatology will team up with Rush University Medical Center to collaborate on dermatology care across the Chicago area, the two organizations announced Tuesday.
The new partnership includes clinical collaboration and an academic relationship between the two health care organizations and will also give Chicago-based Rush a minority stake in Pinnacle, according to a statement. Specific details were not announced.
Under the agreement, Pinnacle patients with advanced skin diseases, especially certain skin cancers, will have expedited access to consultations and referrals to Rush oncology, otolaryngology and restorative plastic surgery specialists. Patients who require advanced care at Rush will have the option to schedule follow-up care at one of 18 Pinnacle sites, including 15 in Illinois and three in Northwest Indiana. Suburban locations include Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Lombard and Naperville.
"This model affiliation of independent community and academic clinicians offers Chicago-area patients greater access to care and the combined clinical expertise of Pinnacle Dermatology and Rush," said Dr. Paula Lapinski, chief medical officer and co-founder of Pinnacle Dermatology.
Pinnacle will market its services in the Chicago area in affiliation with Rush. In addition, Pinnacle physicians who are interested in pursuing teaching and research opportunities will be eligible for faculty appointments at Rush University.
"Our goals with the affiliation are to improve the accessibility, quality, coordination and cost-efficiency of care for dermatology patients across the region," said Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO of Rush University Medical Center, part of Rush University System for Health. "Making it easier for patients to get screenings means we will prevent more skin cancers, and when needed, Pinnacle patients will more easily access Rush's top specialists for treatment of advanced skin diseases."
Pinnacle CEO Chad A. Eckes added the partnership "highlights our emphasis on clinical excellence and professional training opportunities for physicians."