SAN DIEGO–Two of San Diego County North Inland’s largest medical groups, Graybill and Arch Health, have joined forces to create the largest health network in the region, Palomar Health Medical Group.
The affiliation is effective on December 1, 2020, and will expand access and improve the coordination of patient care. Patients will now have access to a broader network of providers who will be able to collaborate on the best care plan, while being able to continue seeing their same physicians in the same offices.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring an expanded network of high-quality providers to our community,” said Arch Health Medical Group Chairman of the Board Harvey Hershkowitz. “This closer coordination of care will improve the health of our community.”
“Patients will immediately reap the benefits of having more physicians to choose from in their network and a smoother referral process to specialists,” said Graybill Medical Group CEO Floyd Farley. “This partnership will only improve the quality of care provided in our region.”
“This expansion of primary care will enhance our ability as a health system to provide seamless, coordinated care across the continuum,” said Palomar Health President and CEO Diane Hansen. “This positions us well to meet the challenges of healthcare delivery.”
Palomar Health Medical Group will have 20 locations throughout North San Diego County, Murrieta and Temecula, employ 170 multi-specialty physicians and 600 support staff and serve more than 150,000 patients. Graybill Medical Group will continue to operate its two offices in Vista and Oceanside independently outside of the Palomar Health Medical group network.
To reduce confusion, Palomar Health Medical Group will not show up as an option during open enrollment and patients should select either Arch Health or Graybill as their medical group. Patients will be notified of the transition in the coming weeks. Copays, deductibles, and insurance premiums will not be affected by the merger although it has the potential to reduce the cost of care in the long-term.
