Two regional health organizations are joining forces in an effort to strengthen healthcare coordination and improve outcomes across the Finger Lakes and Greater Rochester region.
Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, known as FLPPS, and Common Ground Health–Greater Rochester Regional Health Information Organization announced plans to combine operations, with the merger expected to be finalized on April 1.
Current FLPPS CEO Carol Tegas has been selected by both boards to lead the new, unified organization.
Leaders say the combined group will bring together FLPPS’ experience improving healthcare delivery through provider partnerships, Rochester RHIO’s secure health information exchange services, and Common Ground Health’s strengths in research, data analysis, and community engagement. Rochester RHIO and Common Ground Health previously merged in 2024.
Board members say the move will better position the organizations to respond to changing healthcare needs and improve coordination among hospitals, providers, and community agencies.
Tegas, who has led FLPPS since its creation more than a decade ago, has overseen several large-scale regional initiatives, including a $565 million state healthcare reform program, Medicaid care management services, and a workforce training effort aimed at strengthening the healthcare labor pipeline. She brings more than 35 years of healthcare and nonprofit leadership experience to the new role.
Common Ground Health–Rochester RHIO CEO Marlene Bessette is set to retire in March. Officials say the leadership transition and merger have been in development for more than a year.
The organizations say the combined entity will focus on improving collaboration, sharing health data more efficiently, and addressing gaps in care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
