Two University of Maryland Medical System hospitals to join Kaiser network

Two University of Maryland Medical System hospitals will partner with Kaiser in an effort to increase patient access to value-based care, the providers said Tuesday.

The University of Maryland Medical System’s St. Joseph Medical Center and Capital Region Medical Center will be designated as Kaiser Premier hospitals and help Kaiser Permanente physicians provide inpatient services to their patients.

“This designation, which is afforded only to hospitals who meet high standards for patient safety, quality of care and patient comfort and experience, deepens the partnership between our two organizations and reflects UMMS’ reputation for safety and quality,” said Dr. Mohan Suntha, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical System, in a news release.

Kaiser and the university first partnered in 2018 when the University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center became a Kaiser Premier hospital. The center now offers acute medical, surgical and obstetrical care services for thousands of Kaiser members each year.

UM Capital Region and UM St. Joseph will have dedicated inpatient beds for Kaiser patients, who will be cared for mostly by Kaiser providers—with additional support from UMMS team members.

Kaiser patients can access non-surgical services at UM Capital Region, starting in July. UM St. Joseph’s will provide labor and delivery, cardiology, neurology, urology and orthopedic surgery services to Kaiser members, starting in September.

Suntha said the partnership should give patients a better overall experience and greater access to the system’s network and delivery of value-based care.

“We are pleased to expand inpatient access to healthcare that is aligned with our geographical footprint, and with a first-rate health system, by adding Capital Region and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, who will be joining our network of premier hospitals,” said Ruth Williams-Brinkley, regional president at Kaiser Permanente, in a news release.

Kaiser also designated University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center as a regional geographic access hospital where its members will have access to various acute care services.