Independent Physician Groups Strengthen Ties with Scripps Health

Scripps AMG formed to offer physicians enhanced data-sharing capabilities

Mercy Physicians Medical Group and Scripps Mercy Physician Partners have formed Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups (Scripps AMG), a joint technology and data-sharing venture with Scripps Health.

Mercy Physicians Medical Group and Scripps Mercy Physician Partners have formed Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups (Scripps AMG), a joint technology and data-sharing venture with Scripps Health.


Both medical groups will maintain their independence and will work together with Scripps Health under the Scripps AMG name to develop new data-sharing digital tools for patient care. Scripps AMG will co-market under the Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups name, using the Scripps Health brand.


“Using the Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups banner will benefit patients and make it easier for them to identify Scripps independent physicians in the community,” said Michael Couris, MD, chairman of Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups Joint Operating Committee. “We will also be able to improve the care we provide by making patient transitions smoother as documents and data can be shared securely with the new tools we are using.”


All physicians enrolled in the Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups “Clinical Connect” program, powered by Health Gorilla, will soon be able to access diagnostic results ordered by participating physicians. The Health Gorilla platform provides HIPPA-compliant secure messaging and referrals. Physicians can also have quick remote access to their patients’ diagnostic records by using the Health Gorilla mobile app.


“We’ve improved how patients can search for a physician,” said Stewart Frank, MD, president of Mercy Physicians Medical Group. “Whether they fall under a PPO network plan, receive their HMO insurance coverage through Mercy Physicians Medical Group, need attentive care for a Workers’ Comp claim, fall under Medicare coverage, or are paying cash, we have physicians to support their healthcare needs.”


Besides the innovative data-sharing capabilities, Scripps AMG physicians will benefit from new marketing resources, including a new Scripps AMG website (www.scrippsamg.com) that features comprehensive physician bios, senior focused resources and wellness information; digital marketing campaigns; and use of Scripps branding in their identities.


“This joint venture between Scripps Health, Mercy Physicians Medical Group and Scripps Mercy Physician Partners enables us to build truly cutting edge tools and resources for our independent physicians and their patients,” said Davis Cracroft, MD, president of Scripps Mercy Physician Partners.


A free Scripps AMG patient health app, powered by GenieMD, is available now on iOS and Android. The app gives patients access to their lab results via Health Gorilla, provides medication reminders and a clinical data encyclopedia, and syncs with popular activity trackers. A state of the art patient portal is also in development and is slated for launch in the fall.


“We are happy to collaborate with private practice physicians in a way that allows them to continue to operate independently while also being part of a larger group with the access to more resources,” said Chris Van Gorder, Scripps president and CEO. “What’s most important is that patients will benefit through the improved care that this enhanced data sharing makes possible.”

ABOUT MERCY PHYSICIANS MEDICAL GROUP

Mercy Physicians Medical Group (MPMG) is one of the largest networks of independently-contracted physicians in the San Diego area. At MPMG we are dedicated to promoting your overall well-being.


MPMG physicians take pride in the relationships they build with their patients, many of whom have been with our network for several generations. Our contracted hospitals and urgent care centers are conveniently located near you, so you don’t have to travel far for good care. More information can be found at www.mpmgdocs.com

ABOUT SCRIPPS MERCY PHYSICIAN PARTNERS

As one of San Diego County’s largest medical groups, Scripps Mercy Physician Partners has more than 650 physician member practices located throughout the county.


Our physicians are experts in 29 medical specialties, including family medicine and internal medicine, and care deeply about providing the highest-quality care tailored to the needs of each patient. Many of our physicians have expanded training within their specialty and are recognized leaders in their field.


Should you need hospital care, our physicians provide care at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas, Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, and Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego and Chula Vista. More information can be found at www.partnersdocs.com


Learn more about Scripps Health, a nonprofit integrated health system in San Diego, Calif.

Media Contact

Janice Collins
858-678-7486

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