A Southeastern Ohio hospital system is switching from industry giant Radiology Partners to LucidHealth for its outsourced imaging services, those involved announced on Wednesday.
Genesis Healthcare System had worked with Radiology Associates of Southeastern Ohio for about 20 years, with the practice becoming part of Rad Partners in 2016. But the Zanesville, Ohio, hospital group started its new deal with the Columbus-based outfit on Sept. 1.
“I feel like it’s Christmas. We’re getting something new, it’s exciting, and we’re looking forward to working with the new group,” Imaging Manager Erica Halsey told Radiology Business. “We’re taking baby steps for now, so we’re not all overwhelmed with new things.”
Physicians founded LucidHealth in 1980, and Denver private equity firm Excellere Partners began backing it in 2016. The radiology management company will cover about eight sites for Genesis, including its main hospital, a freestanding emergency department, a women’s imaging center and several other outpatient options. They’ll supply two rads at the hospital each day to read scans and perform image-guided procedures, while another will work offsite performing biopsies and other breast-related services. Halsey did not disclose a reason for the change, only saying the Columbus Radiology contract was up, and Genesis decided to weigh its options.
In 2015, prior to joining Rad Partners, Radiology Associates of Southeastern Ohio was informed that the hospital system would be moving in a new direction for a variety of reasons, added Frank Castellano, MD, president of Columbus Radiology (which also joined RP in 2016).
"This was a planned, though delayed, transition," he said in a statement. "We appreciate the hospital’s partnership and transparency and wish them continued success in delivering high-quality care to the people of their community.
LucidHealth’s Riverside Radiology and Interventional Associates practices will cover the new sites, according to an announcement. The partnership expands its footprint to 33 hospitals and 80 clinics in Ohio, with Genesis the second largest for Lucid after Riverside Methodist in Columbus. Altogether, the group employs 200 radiologists servicing sites across four states, just recently teaming with Green Bay Radiology in Wisconsin and MercyOne in Iowa.
“With this new partnership, LucidHealth continues our mission to expand capabilities and improve outcomes," CEO Asif Ahmad said in a statement.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to clarify Radiology Associates of Southeastern Ohio's relationship with Genesis and add a comment from Columbus Radiology's president.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.