By HOLLY GASKILL
Lutheran Health Physicians and two other medical groups announced the sale and transition of eight clinics to Meridian Health Services.
The sale includes eight total general care and pediatric clinics — three in Bluffton, two in Peru, and one each in Ossian, Warren and Markle.
A press release states that the transition is expected “on or about” Nov. 1, maintaining their current locations, providers, and staff. No hospital-based services at Bluffton Regional Medical Center will be affected.
The clinics are currently owned by LHP, Bluffton Medical Group and Dukes Medical Group and are part of the Lutheran Health Network. However, Meridian has operated the internal medicine and pediatrics clinics in Bluffton since 2020.
“This is good news for our patients, staff and providers, as well as each community and we know all will be in good hands,” said Julie Thompson, chief administrative officer of BRMC, in a statement.
Meridian is a federally qualified health center, which allows the group to offer primary and preventative care services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. According to the release, Meridian offers $4.2 million in “charity care” to 45,000 Indiana patients annually.
“We believe in treating the ‘whole person’ by caring for the physical, mental and social well-being of people to help achieve their optimum health,” said Seth Warren, president and chief executive officer of Meridian Health Services, in a statement. “This acquisition fits our mission to help make communities healthier, and we are well equipped to fully take on operation of these clinics and the dedicated staff who serve patients in each location.”
holly@news-banner.com
