Associated Radiologists becomes academic system’s new on-site imaging services provider
An academic health system has named Associated Radiologists Inc. as its new on-site imaging services provider.
WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital announced the new partnership on Sept. 5 after ARI recently acquired its former partner, Kanawha Valley Radiologists, based in Charleston, West Virginia. Associated Radiologists Inc. “has been a cornerstone of radiology in the region for more than 55 years,” founded by physicians in 1969, the hospital system noted.
“ARI’s clinical experience coupled with its reputation of providing excellent service to patients makes them well-positioned to bring cutting-edge imaging technology and practices to Thomas Hospitals,” Greg Rosencrance, MD, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, said in a statement. “We are excited to collaborate with these local, on-site radiologists to provide state-of-the-art imaging services on our campuses, ensuring that patients continue to have access to the most accurate and efficient diagnostic tools available.”
Effective Thursday, 20-physician Associated Radiologists Inc. is providing radiology services exclusively for patients at Thomas Hospitals. As part of the partnership, the two are incorporating “state of the art” 3T MRI, additional CT scanners and advanced PET imaging techniques.
Associated Radiologists’ board-certified staff has subspecialization in abdominal concerns, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal care, pediatrics and women’s imaging.
“Our dedicated team of radiology specialists is eager to bring the same level of expertise and quality service to WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals that our patients and clinical staff have relied on for the past five decades,” Johnsey Leef, MD, president of ARI, said in the same announcement. “Our radiologists are energized not only to serve the healthcare needs of the citizens of the Kanawha Valley, but also to meet the healthcare needs of West Virginia residents in collaboration with WVU Medicine.”
Kanawha Valley Radiologists has provided imaging services in southern West Virginia for over 50 years, according to its website. The practice serves five hospitals on either a full- or part-time basis, along with 10 independent physician offices and imaging centers. KVR employs six radiologists and has grown its teleradiology capabilities in recent years. This has included purchasing high-quality, multi-site workstations, a new PACS and dictation system, allowing the practice to “provide the same top-notch service remotely as well as on-site at several of our partner facilities.”
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.