Aris Radiology completes acquisition of Optimal Radiology

HUDSON, Ohio and NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Aris Radiology, a leading national radiology practice today announced it has acquired Optimal Radiology, a Tennessee-based provider of professional radiology services to hospitals nationwide. The deal brings together two of the country's largest radiology groups, creating a national practice with more than 160 board-certified radiologists who provide radiology services to over 130 healthcare organizations and interpret an estimated 1.5 million exams annually.

"We are delighted to partner with Optimal to further enhance the services we offer to hospitals seeking greater efficiency, speed and accuracy in radiology," said Aris President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Kozlowski. "Optimal has built a strong reputation of delivering highly customized, on-site radiology solutions for hospitals of all sizes. Their expertise provides a strong complement to Aris' robust technology platform and large network of subspecialty radiologists. Together, we will continue to raise the bar for radiology quality and service standards."

Leveraging its industry-leading quality assurance program and nationwide network of board-certified radiologists, Aris provides custom radiology staffing and management services to a growing number of hospitals ranging from small, critical access facilities to large, multi-site health systems. In addition to on-site physician coverage and management support, Aris offers 24/7 access to one of the country's largest networks of subspecialized radiologists through its teleradiology network. In fact, Aris is the only national radiology group that can offer 24/7 pediatric subspecialty coverage. The company also offers a unique full-service approach, which enables hospitals to efficiently provide highly specialized care regardless of size or location while outsourcing business functions such as billing and collections.

The combined company will utilize Aris' robust IT platform, which includes specialized software designed to streamline workflow and speed turnaround times. The web-based system, powered by Infinitt, allows radiologists to view studies from a variety of RIS/PACS systems on a standard platform while an advanced routing system auto-assigns studies based on sub-specialty, credentialing and work schedule – enabling Aris to guarantee some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry.

"This is an ideal match that will benefit our current hospital partners while positioning our combined organization for continued growth," said former Optimal Chief Medical Officer Chad Calendine, M.D., who will serve in the same capacity for Aris. "Both organizations share a strong commitment to the highest quality and service standards. With our combined resources and expertise, we look forward to helping hospitals achieve measurable clinical and operational improvements."

Aris will maintain its Hudson, Ohio, headquarters as well as an executive office in Nashville, Tenn. The Nashville office will serve as home to much of the company's leadership team including Chief Operating Officer Alan Taylor, Chief Medical Officer Chad Calendine, M.D., Chief Development Officer Derek Hunley and Executive Chairman Stephen L. Houff, M.D.  

"As home to more than 250 health care companies, Nashville has a strong reputation for supporting companies like Aris," said Stephen Houff, M.D., Executive Chairman. "We are delighted to expand our presence in this dynamic healthcare community while building on Optimal's strong history of creating value for its hospital partners across the nation."

About Aris Radiology

Founded in 2007, Aris Radiology helps hospitals achieve greater efficiency, speed and accuracy in radiology through hospital-based and teleradiology services. The company's unique approach enables hospitals to take advantage of its network of subspecialty radiologists, as well as an on-site team of general radiologists, providing expert care regardless of the hospital's size or location. For more information, visit arisradiology.com.

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