A major merger in the local healthcare industry. Arnot Health and Cayuga Health formally announced their new affiliation on Tuesday. They will now operate under the name Centralus Health.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality care for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, CEO of Cayuga Health and CEO of Centralus Health. “Together, we are strengthening our ability to offer a wider array of services, reach underserved populations, and invest in the future of healthcare delivery – locally. We are already planning for increased access to primary care in Chemung and Tompkins counties, while preparing for the upcoming launch of EPIC and MyChart to enhance patient care through technology.”
The exploration of a collaborative relationship between Arnot Health and Cayuga Health was first announced on April 14, 2023. Since then, both organizations have conducted comprehensive evaluations, held extensive discussions, and gathered feedback from stakeholders including patients, staff, and community leaders.
The rollout of EPIC, an electronic health record system, will begin in March 2025. EPIC’s integration across Arnot Health and Cayuga Health locations promises “enhanced patient and workforce experiences.” Additionally, MyChart, the patient portal powered by EPIC, will allow patients to manage appointments, communicate with healthcare providers, and engage more effectively in their care.
“Our collaboration isn’t just about joining forces—it’s about reimagining how we can best serve our communities,” said Tom LiVigne, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Cayuga Health. “This partnership is rooted in shared values, a deep commitment to local communities, and unwavering focus on delivering superior healthcare. Together, we’re ensuring better access to the critical medical services our patients need.”
“As health systems face increasing financial and workforce challenges, this partnership enables us to leverage shared resources, increase efficiencies, and ultimately lower operational costs,” said Jonathan Lawrence, CEO of Arnot Health and Executive Vice President of Centralus Health. “Centralus Health will continue to focus on deepening community connections and setting a higher standard for personalized care in every service we provide.”
In a statement announcing the merger, Centralus Health said it is committed to investing in capital improvements across its facilities and workforce. The partnership will expand access to a full spectrum of services, including specialized care that may have been challenging to provide independently. These services encompass emergency care, critical cardiac care, cancer care, labor and delivery, NICU, outpatient care, behavioral health, substance use rehabilitation, long-term care, home nursing, durable medical equipment, and emergency transportation.
“We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to deliver even more value to our communities,” said Jan van den Blink, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Arnot Health. “The combined strengths and complementary expertise of both organizations position Centralus Health to better meet the needs of our patients while enhancing the care we provide.”
Centralus Health in Numbers:
- 6,500 Employees
- $1 billion in annual medical services
- 1,800 births per year
- 15,600 hospital visits annually
- 86,400 emergency room visits annually
- 847,000 outpatient appointments annually
