Ellis Medicine is leasing the former Veterans Affairs clinic in Rotterdam, N.Y., and plans to open primary care and cardiology clinics there in January, local radio station WAMC reported Oct. 4.
Ellis CEO Paul Milton announced the lease at a community meeting in Schenectady. “We’re interested in expanding primary care and cardiology services, so we reached out to them,” Mr. Milton said, according to WAMC.
The Rotterdam site grows the Schenectady-based health system’s footprint in Schenectady County. Twenty cardiologists plan to join Ellis starting in January, even though their contracts with St. Peter’s Health Partners include noncompete clauses.
Ellis is suing St. Peter’s Health Partners over access to cardiology services. The dispute grew out of a failed merger between the two health systems.
The VA closed the Rotterdam clinic in August, despite opposition from lawmakers in both parties. About 1,600 veterans had received care there. The department said 80% of the clinic’s patients lived closer to its Clifton Park site, and the federal government expects the closure to save $1.5 million a year.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
