Utah-based health network expanding in eastern Idaho
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Intermountain Health will be expanding its operational footprint in Southeast Idaho with an enhanced partnership through two local hospitals.
Friday, July 24th, the Utah-based non-profit health network announced plans to buy out Surgery Partners’ ownership stake in a network of healthcare facilities in Southeast Idaho, including Mountain View Hospital, Idaho Falls Community Hospital, and 60+ affiliated clinics.
Since 2023, the healthcare system has been collaboratively owned by Intermountain Health, Surgery Partners, and local physicians. Under the proposed agreement, Surgery Partners will step away, shifting full collaborative ownership to Intermountain Health and local physician partners.
Despite the ownership shift, the non-profit says patients can expect continuity in their care. Doctors, staff, and location offerings will remain unchanged.
"Providers and caregivers employed by these facilities will remain in their current employment arrangements, providing the same high-quality care that patients are used to at these facilities," states the release.
The transaction is not yet final; the deal still needs official approval from the local physician members and the governing board.
In a statement to Local News 8, Mountain View Hospital and Idaho Falls Community Hospital's CEO James Adamson said, "Intermountain Health is already an investor in both hospitals and has deep roots in our region. They believe in our vision and our teams, and they want to empower us to continue delivering the personalized care our organizations are known for."
Adamson went on to say he believes the growing partnership will bring positive benefits to both the healthcare teams and patients. There will not be noticeable changes on the front lines for patients, rather, the intention is for both hospitals to continue their locally managed vision.
Mountain View Hospital said leadership, jobs and compensation remain unchanged throughout this deal.
Marty Boughton with Foresight Public Affairs at Mountain View Hospital stated this is an "exciting development for hospitals, not least because both MVH and IFCH will remain locally managed."
