Geisinger merger updated at trustees' meeting

HERSHEY -- Combined services, new academic opportunities and continued negotiations are some of the benefits the creation of the Penn State Geisinger Health System has brought.

At its meeting Friday, the University Board of Trustees received an update on the progress of the venture, about nine months after the merger became official.

"It is truly a national model," University President Graham Spanier said.

Because of the merger, the Penn State Geisinger Health Plan can offer patients more options and locations than under the Geisinger Health Plan, said Dr. C. McCollister Evarts, senior vice president for health affairs.

"As we develop this plan, it is clear to us that the consumer is looking for more choice," said Dr. Stuart Heydt, chief executive officer of the health system.

The number of doctors and hospitals that have become providers of the health plan has increased beyond expectations, Evarts said.

"If you live in rural Pennsylvania, you have the opportunity to go to Danville and you have the opportunity to go to Hershey," he said.

Within the company, corporate support services such as payroll and human resources have been consolidated and employees from the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and the Hershey Medical Center in Hershey have been working together on many projects and committees, Evarts said.

For the benefit of students, the centers in Danville and Hershey have collaborated to create new programs and clinical opportunities, Evarts said.

"When you double the number of potential teachers, you have extra opportunities," he said.

One problem Geisinger continues to address is concerns from the state attorney general. In July, approval of the merger was withheld because of concerns that the health system would monopolize health care in central Pennsylvania. In January, the attorney general extended his review of the merger indefinitely.

"As per the request of the attorney general, we have continued to negotiate in more than good faith will all these (health) organizations," Evarts said.