Merger helps enhance operational efficiencies and integrated patient care at both practices
Columbia, MO (January 6, 2015) –Two long-standing healthcare practices in the Columbia medical community have joined together to enhance their ability to deliver high-quality patient care. Urology Associates of Central Missouri, a leading provider of comprehensive state-of-the-art urological care, and Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA), the premier cancer treatment center in mid-Missouri, announced today that effective November 1, 2014, they have joined forces.
“Bringing together the physicians at Urology Associates of Central Missouri and Missouri Cancer Associates will enable us to provide care with greater quality and efficiency,” said Steven M. Dresner, M.D., F.A.C.S., Urology Associates of Central Missouri, “…ultimately preserving the opportunity for patients to access the top-quality, personalized healthcare in the convenient private practice setting they have grown to expect and have always enjoyed.”
Both practices and the patients they serve will gain significant advantages through the formation of this larger group, including the ability to deliver integrated, coordinated care. With Urology Associates joining MCA, they are now affiliated with The US Oncology Network, a nationwide network of 1,000 independent community-based cancer physicians spanning medical and radiation oncology, surgery and urology. The US Oncology Network connects like-minded physicians who share best practices for the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care, across all cancer specialties.
“By Missouri Cancer Associates and Urology Associates joining forces in the fight against cancer, patients now have the luxury of participating in a seamless flow of care by the largest and most experienced cancer center in mid-Missouri,” said Mark Tungesvik, M.D., medical oncologist, MCA.
Additionally, combining urology, hematology oncology, and radiation oncology into one group “will enable us to better provide our patients and their families with cutting-edge care in cancer-related services, as well as non-cancer related services, in a timely fashion,” said Jerrold A. Schermer, M.D., F.A.C.S., Urology Associates of Central Missouri. “In addition to treatment of urologic cancers, Urology Associates will continue our long history of caring for patients with the full range of urology conditions, including kidney stones, urinary incontinence, prostate problems, female urology, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and infertility."
Urology Associates’ Practice Administrator, Debbie Barnes, has been named Practice Director of the newly merged group. Her 16 years of experience leading Urology Associates will be invaluable as the practices transition to their larger business model.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead these two practices into a new era,” Barnes said. “This union consolidates resources and talents to overcome the challenges today’s healthcare environment presents and allows us to remain an independent and physician-led practice. Our dedicated and caring team of professionals has an unwavering commitment to service. Our goal is to provide a level of excellence that far surpasses the expectations of our patients and their families.”
About Missouri Cancer Associates
Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA) is the largest oncology group in mid-Missouri and offers patients advanced comprehensive care from their new state-of-the-art facility in Columbia, as well as a treatment center in Kirksville. MCA has 16 cancer physicians on staff and offers a full range of hematologic care, chemotherapy and radiation services, laboratory and diagnostic testing delivered by compassionate, caring professionals dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal outcomes. The practice prides itself in offering the latest technologies to diagnose and treat cancer, including PET/CT and a full range of advanced radiation therapies. Visit www.missouricancer.com for more information.
Missouri Cancer Associates is united in healing with The US Oncology Network, one of the nation’s largest networks of integrated community-based oncology practices dedicated to advancing high-quality, evidence-based cancer care. As an affiliate of The US Oncology Network, MCA is united with 1,000 physicians nationwide. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.
About Urology Associates of Central Missouri
Urology Associates of Central Missouri was formed in 2008 through the merger of two long-standing urology practices. It is a leading provider of urology services in the region and the only independent urology group in Columbia. The practice has seven highly credentialed and experienced urologists on staff, with an eighth joining soon. The group offers the very latest treatment options and technologies, such as robotic and minimally invasive surgery. They have more than 30 employees, including nine nurses and an Advanced Practice Provider. The practice is committed to providing compassionate, quality, state-of-the-art urological care in a prompt and courteous manner. Their main treatment center is located in Columbia, Missouri, with additional treatment sites in Macon and Marshall. To learn more, visit www.mo-urology.com.