Arch Health and Graybill Medical groups announce affiliation

SAN MARCOS – 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.

“This expansion of primary care will enhance our ability as a health system to provide seamless, coordinated care across the continuum,” Diane Hansen, president and CEO of Palomar Health, said. “This positions us well to meet the challenges of health care delivery.”

The affiliation was effective Dec. 1, and expanded access and improve the coordination of patient care. Patients have access to a broader network of providers who can 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,” Harvey Hershkowitz, board chair of Arch Health Medical Group, said. “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,” Floyd Farley, CEO of Graybill Medical Group, said. “This partnership will only improve the quality of care provided in our region.”

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.

Submitted by Palomar Health Medical Group.