Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health is in the midst of a sweeping expansion, inking four major deals in the past year that are reshaping its physician network and competitive positioning across the Upper Midwest.
As the largest rural health system in the U.S., with 56 hospitals and nearly 300 clinic locations, Sanford is absorbing independent practices, regional competitors and health systems.
Here are four deals to know:
1. In October, Sanford announced the acquisition of Rapid City-based Black Hills Plastic Surgery, a specialty practice offering both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures along with nonsurgical aesthetic treatments. The partnership, expected to be finalized by the end of the year, brings two physicians, one advanced practice provider and six employees into Sanford’s network.
2. In June, Sanford acquired Creekside Medical Clinic, a physician-owned practice in Rapid City offering outpatient care, preventive screenings and on-site lab services. The clinic’s four physicians will join Sanford.
2. In June, Sanford acquired Rapid City-based Creekside Medical Clinic, an independent, physician-owned group. The clinic, which has four physicians on its staff who are expected to join Sanford, provides outpatient care, preventive health screenings and an on-site laboratory.
3. In January, Sanford finalized its merger with Marshfield (Wis.) Clinic Health System. The merger links two major rural health systems across state lines, creating a formidable regional network spanning the Dakotas, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Each system’s health plans — Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan — will continue operating under a shared management and business structure.
4. Sanford’s November acquisition of Black Hills Surgical Hospital and Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center included both the 46% physician-owned stake and the 54% share previously held by Medical Facilities Corp., giving Sanford complete ownership of two of Rapid City’s most profitable specialty facilities.
According to Sioux Falls Live., the acquisition marks a “major escalation” in Rapid City’s healthcare market and intensifies competition with Monument Health.
