Gridley, CA (MPG) – Although the staff has changed and the Gridley Medical Group has moved from an entirely independent practice in 2010 to a contractor with larger area health providers, one thing stays the same – the commitment to quality care.

Recently, GMG has decided to partner with Adventist Health. The decision was somewhat forced as Enloe has begun to consolidate their enterprises, retracting their affiliation with smaller clinics and facilities in the area. Although the GMG has a great working relationship with Orchard Hospital and continues to, the GMG has chosen to partner with Adventist to maintain a more independent operation.

Connie Fischer, LVN and GMG office supervisor and Dr. Brown explains why. A merger with Orchard Hospital, due to the licensure and certifications that the hospital holds, would complicate billing and basically end point-of-care treatments and services that can currently be performed for patients at the GMG for a greatly reduced fee.  “The community still needs that,” says Dr. James Brown, “and so if we were to join the hospital, it would create a void that somebody else is going to fill that would be negative.” GMG retaining some independence means they can continue operating at the standards that the community has come to expect. “Adventist has already promised…their goal is to support the community,” says Dr. Brown.

There are benefits of joining with a larger corporation like Adventist, such as help with medical billing, aid in the recruitment of additional providers, online resources and electronic medical records for patients. As Dr. Brown and Dr. Bowers are currently the only “full-time” providers at the MGM and both doctors are operating at full-capacity, Adventist’s recruiting power will come in handy.

As far as continuity of care and overall practice sentiments, joining with Adventist is a good thing. “It really won’t change anything for patients.” Dr. Bowers says. “I think we are most excited about getting to stay together and keep that family feel, whatever name is on our door.” Fischer adds “We (GMG) love our patients – they’re our families too. We want to continue to provide the care, given over the years, without disruption. I feel blessed to do something I truly love for so many years. It’s a calling – it comes from the heart.”

That sentiment runs throughout the entire staff and patients need not be anxious about the new changes. Nevertheless, GMG asks for their patients to be understanding during the transition period which is expected to begin at the first of the year.