Imaging Healthcare Specialists has agreed to sell eight imaging centers in San Diego and Riverside counties to Scripps Health.

Scripps Health operates four hospitals and 26 outpatient centers and clinics throughout the region, but previously did not have an outpatient imaging center presence.

Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health CEO, told the San Diego Union-Tribune, that the deal gives Scripps a lower-cost outpatient diagnostic imaging option to offer patients.  “This will enable the company to operate with a cost structure much lower and, in so doing, offer lower prices to patients,” he told the newspaper.

Radiologist Jon Robins, MD, CEO of Imaging Healthcare Specialists, founded the company in 1984 and was the first provider—inpatient or outpatient—to offer MRI services in San Diego County. Scripps will retain the Imaging Healthcare Specialists brand, as well as the services of the affiliated radiology practices, Radiology Medical Group and Physicians Radiology Medical Group, and their 28 radiologists.

“At the completion of this agreement, Imaging Healthcare Specialists will be better positioned for positive population health management across the community and improved delivery of more cost-efficient, effective, patient-focused care,” said Jon M. Robins, MD, chairman and CEO of Imaging Healthcare Specialists, in prepared remarks.

The deal, expected to close on March 31, represents a formal alignment between the both parties.

“Imaging Healthcare Specialists is a strong company with a reputation for quality care, as is Scripps,” Gorder said. “We think this is an excellent fit for both organizations, and is structured to allow Imaging Healthcare Specialists to continue its successful business model.”