CentraState physician practices join Atlantic Health System physician network, as systems continue process toward co-ownership
NEW JERSEY – Nearly 50 physicians and providers affiliated with CentraState Healthcare System Tuesday joined Atlantic Health System’s multi-specialty physician network, Atlantic Medical Group, as part of the two health systems’ on-going efforts to create a co-owned framework for CentraState Healthcare System.
The synergy created by the addition of these practices expands patient access in Central New Jersey to include Atlantic Health System’s nationally-recognized programs and services at its seven medical centers, and nearly 400 ambulatory care locations.
“Care begins in the community, and patients in Central New Jersey turn first to these CentraState-affiliated physicians for care,” said Steven Sheris, MD, president of Atlantic Medical Group. “Bringing these providers into the Atlantic Medical Group family is an important step in giving patients easier access to our high-quality, integrated continuum of care.”
“Our transition to the Atlantic Medical Group will give our providers new tools to manage patient care, and ultimately offer patients easier access to a larger network of physicians,” said James Richvalsky, CentraState’s vice president of physician practice management.
As part of Atlantic Medical Group, these practices will use the Epic electronic health record (EHR) platform. The ultimate goal is to provide Epic throughout CentraState Health System. Epic will improve efficiency and safety in care delivery by providing physicians with patients’ full and up-to-date medical record. As part of a system that uses one single EHR, the practices will receive streamlined connectivity to other providers and specialists throughout Atlantic Health System.
The practices joining Atlantic Medical Group include:
- Family Practice of CentraState offices in Freehold, Colts Neck, East Windsor, Jackson, Marlboro and Monroe
- Women’s Health Specialists of CentraState offices in Marlboro, East Windsor and Freehold
- Neonatology Associates of CentraState
- John Pellegrino, MD Breast Surgery and Breast Oncology in Freehold
- Surgical Associates of CentraState offices in Freehold and Edison
- Pulmonology Associates of CentraState offices in Freehold and Morganville
- Nephrology Associates of CentraState in Jackson
- Jia Cheng, MD Movement Disorder Program in Freehold
“The Epic EHR is a user friendly electronic medical record that will give patients the ability to communicate with their care team, keep track of records and make appointments.” said Robert Pedowitz, D.O., FACOFP, medical director of Family Practice of Centrastate. “In addition, our physicians will now be able to work more cohesively on behalf of patients by utilizing the same medical information across specialties and practices.”
In September 2020, CentraState Healthcare System and Atlantic Health System signed a Letter of Intent to create a unique model for health system co-ownership. This was followed by a Definitive Agreement by the two organization weeks later. Upon receipt of the State and federal government approval of this transaction, Atlantic Health will become the majority corporate member in CentraState and CentraState will join the Atlantic Health System network of care.
Atlantic Health System is one of the largest non-profit health care systems in New Jersey, providing a vast array of health care services across seven award-winning hospitals and more than 400 outpatient locations. Atlantic Medical Group is the organization’s network of more than 1,000 providers, spanning more than 65 specialties throughout New Jersey.
