Banner Health and Radiology Partners join forces to create Banner Imaging

Banner Health and Radiology Partners (RP) — the parent of East Valley Diagnostic Imaging (EVDI) and Valley Radiologists (VRL) — have signed an agreement creating Banner Imaging to provide high-quality imaging services throughout the metro Phoenix area.

Banner Imaging, a wholly owned subsidiary of Banner Health, is comprised of 23 ambulatory imaging centers in Maricopa and northern Pinal counties. It will focus on providing an exemplary customer experience in existing centers while looking to expand to best serve the greater Phoenix market.

Nearly 600 employees already working for EVDI and VRL will transition to become Banner Imaging employees under this new agreement.

“We are excited that through this agreement we are living our mission of making health care easier, so life can be better,’’ Scott Nordlund, Banner’s chief strategy and growth officer said. “It is an honor and privilege to serve our communities and offer high-quality medical imaging services.

“Our customers will benefit greatly with our centers conveniently located, close to where people live and work, throughout the Valley. Banner Health is continuing to focus on customer experience and creating great access to affordable services. One of our priority strategies is to continue to grow all our access points, including our Banner Imaging presence.’’

Banner Imaging centers offer a complete range of advanced imaging services, including CT scans and MRIs. The facilities offer digital-imaging technology, highly trained subspecialized radiologists and a patient-centered environment.

“We are fortunate to partner with exceptional radiologists who have been providing patient-centered care in the Valley for more than 50 years,” said Joan Thiel, vice president of Ambulatory Services for Banner.

“RP’s mission is to transform radiology by innovating across clinical value and service,” said Patrick Fredenberg, MD, president of VRL. “We believe this is a tremendous advancement toward this goal.’’

 “Advancing our partnership with Banner Health furthers our ability to provide innovative, individualized patient-centered care,” said Jeff Maxwell, MD, president of EVDI.