A Medical Device Daily

IPC The Hospitalist Company (North Hollywood, California), a national physician group practice company, said it has acquired Acclaimed Internal Medicine (AIM; Mesa, Arizona). According to the company, the acquisition represents a continued expansion into the greater Phoenix market, where IPC already has established what it terms "a significant presence."

IPC said it expects to add roughly 55,000 patient encounters a year from the acquisition of AIM.

"As part of our overall growth strategy, we are always looking for opportunistic in-market acquisitions to deepen our penetration of existing markets," said Adam Singer, MD, IPC's CEO/chairman. "AIM is an ideal fit, as it enables IPC to leverage its core strengths to the benefit of AIM's clients, many of whom we already serve. For example, IPC and AIM each currently have practices at Banner Baywood Medical Center. Together, the two existing practice groups can work to improve coverage, focus on quality, and increase patient satisfaction. Additionally, IPC will utilize its existing regional management infrastructure to support this combined practice."

The AIM owners will remain active in the practice group as IPC employees, the company noted.

"AIM's providers have practiced and will continue to practice in Banner Baywood and nearby facilities. The combining of AIM's operations with IPC will give us greater capability to focus on operational and quality initiatives, enhance clinical communications, and coordinate recruitment efforts," said Saul Blair, IPC's executive director for the Phoenix region.