The CORE Institute, an integrated orthopedic and neurology practice with locations in Arizona and Michigan, announced that they have partnered with Surgical Care Affiliates (“SCA”, NASDAQ: SCAI), a prominent surgical solutions and specialty surgical services provider, and six local independent physicians1 to open The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.

The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital will be staffed with the Valley’s top orthopedic surgeons specializing in hip and knee replacement, spine, pain management, podiatry and other orthopedic surgical specialties. The CORE Institute’s partnership with SCA will create a national model of specialty centers for the future by tapping core strengths and competencies of both companies to enhance the quality of patient care, improve accountable care models, and reduce costs to consumers.

Through its hospital alignment strategies, The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital (formerly Specialty Hospital of Phoenix), will offer evidence-based approaches to medical care and integrated orthopedic service lines to improve the experience for patients in the local community. As consumers, employers and third party payers look for higher value options in the delivery of surgical services, The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital will offer a unique setting for patients to receive high-end, specialty specific, quality care – validated through The CORE Institute’s well-proven improved surgical outcomes. The CORE Institute’s partnership with SCA will include future local and national expansion.

“The CORE Institute is pleased to join forces with SCA to continue to transform the delivery of healthcare”, said Chairman and CEO David J. Jacofsky, MD. “Both organizations have outcomes with data that speaks for itself and through this strategic partnership, we are able to expand our standardized care approach, proprietary quality and IT platforms, and replicate these proven outcomes nationally.” The CORE Institute will deploy proven pathways and protocols, create efficiencies in an inpatient setting, and provide optimal patient outcomes all while focusing on a specialty patient-centered approach.

“The CORE Institute has built a national reputation for performing routine and complex orthopedic surgeries, while providing excellent patient care and clinical outcomes,” said Goran Dragolovic, Senior Vice President of Operations at SCA. “With their experience and expertise in co-management with Banner Health and St. John Providence Health Systems, The CORE Institute is the ideal partner to support SCA in furthering our mission to improve healthcare and achieve our shared goal of establishing a system of accountable care, where quality outcomes drive reimbursement.”

Eric Tomlon will serve as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the hospital. Currently, Eric serves as Chief Operating Officer of The CORE Institute’s National Hospital and Service Line Management Division. He brings 20 years of experience in health administration, including twelve years of hospital administration in for-profit, not-for-profit, Catholic, university, pediatric, independent and large health systems. “The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital will be a place where patients, physicians and employees can expect the very best in top tier, orthopedic services,” commented Mr. Tomlon. “The community will benefit tremendously from this partnership between The CORE Institute, SCA and local physicians, and the incredible patient care our physicians and employees will proudly deliver.”

The hospital is currently open operating under its new governance and ownership. One of the first objectives for hospital to achieve in 2015 will be a new master facility plan and upgrade. 

For more information on how to schedule surgery or to learn more about the physicians that work at The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital, please call 602.795.6020.