Tampa General Hospital to offer joint services with Tampa Bay Network

Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital has formed a partnership with the other heavy hitter in its market—Florida Hospital's Tampa Bay Network—to offer joint services and programs, and expand its geographic scope.

Potential areas in which the two parties could collaborate include ambulatory care, rehabilitation facilities, post-acute care centers, home health services, wellness programs, and an expanded network for primary care, according to a news release. The medical centers might also offer insurance products through the partnership.

The deal is not a merger, and does not impact the current operations at either organization. An operating board with representation from both sides will be established to plan the new service offerings.

Jim Burkhart, president and CEO of 1,018-bed Tampa General, said in the release (PDF) that the partnership allows the systems to “provide a wide range of services without duplicating efforts, which will help hold down the cost of medical care in the Greater Tampa Bay area.”

Burkhart joined the hospital March 4. In its third quarter ended June 30, Tampa General reported (PDF) a 5.2% increase in year-to-date revenue, to $719.4 million from $683.8 million. It also reported a 4.9% increase in discharges for the period.

Florida Hospital's Tampa Bay Network includes 320-bed Florida Hospital Tampa, 59-bed Florida Hospital Carrollwood, 154-bed Florida Hospital Zephyrhillis, 150-bed Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Hospital at Connerton Long-Term Acute Care.

Follow Beth Kutscher on Twitter: @MHbkutscher