Radiology group cancels hospital-based business to focus on outpatient center growth
One of New Jersey’s largest privately owned radiology groups is canceling its hospital-based business to focus on the company’s growing outpatient imaging center presence.
Morristown-based ImageCare Radiology announced the decision Thursday, with the practice pulling out of Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown and Newton Medical Centers effective the same day. ImageCare has 23 centers in northern and central New Jersey and employs about 40 radiologists.
Two more outpatient locations are slated to open next year, and the group has made a “strategic decision” to exit the two hospitals. ImageCare has experienced “significant growth” on the outpatient side, opening three centers over the past three years.
“While we are proud to have provided expert patient care at Hackettstown and Newton hospitals for more than 30 years, this shift marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for ImageCare and our patients,” radiologist and practice President Clay Hinrichs, MD, said in a statement shared Nov. 21. “The move will enable our physicians and staff to focus on what we do best—providing expert diagnostic imaging services and care in our comfortable, patient-centered outpatient facilities across the community.”
ImageCare could not provide further additional information about the decision by Radiology Business’ deadline Thursday. Atlantic Health System, which operates seven acute care hospitals around northern New Jersey, shared a statement Thursday. Imaging services at Newtown and Hackettstown will now be provided by the team members and physicians at Atlantic Medical Group Radiology.
“This change will have no impact on patient care,” said Bob Adams, president of both hospitals and senior VP of the entire organization. “The seamless connection between the team at AMG Radiology and the rest of Atlantic Health System will help deliver on our commitment to extraordinary care for our patients and the communities we serve,” he added later.
Founded in 2006, ImageCare offers the full spectrum of imaging services including MR, CT, X-Ray, ultrasound, AI-powered mammography, dual ring PET scanning, cardiac imaging services, interventional procedures, and more. The practice will continue accepting new patients and physician referrals at all 23 sites. ImageCare’s LinkedIn page highlights how outpatient imaging is “typically much more affordable than having the same procedure done at a hospital, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.”
“We are dedicated to ensuring minimal disruption to patient care during our transition out of hospital-based services,” Hinrichs said in the statement. “We look forward to continuing our relationships with referring physicians, specialists, and patients in this new chapter,” he added later.
Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic.