Edward-Elmhurst Health Invests $7 Million In Smart Choice MRI

New Partnership Supports Growing Shift to Patient-Centered, Value-Based Medicine

NAPERVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Integrated health system Edward-Elmhurst Health is investing $7 million in Mequon, Wisconsin-based Smart Choice MRI, the first MRI provider in the country to offer every MRI for an all-inclusive fee of $600 or less, it was announced today by both companies.

“A major market shift is occurring in the health care industry that’s driving more value-based medicine and consumerism, safe and effective care at a reasonable cost that also recognizes patient choice. The most forward-thinking hospital systems are responding to that shift by forging unique partnerships that better serve people”

“This new partnership is in line with our mission to always advance the health of our communities,” said Pam Davis, System CEO, Edward-Elmhurst Health. “With our commitment to improvement, collaboration and innovation, this investment in Smart Choice MRI will provide greater service and choice to our patients as well as improved efficiency within our System.”

The Edward-Elmhurst Health investment will fuel the groundbreaking of five new Smart Choice MRI clinics in the Chicago area, beginning in the fall with Bolingbrook, Oswego and Lombard, as well as an expansion into Minneapolis. Edward-Elmhurst Health doctors will continue to make MRI referrals based on the most appropriate location for patient care.

Smart Choice MRI currently has three Chicago area clinics, in Schaumburg, Glenview and Skokie, and another due in downtown Chicago in July. Smart Choice MRI also supports six Wisconsin clinics.

“A major market shift is occurring in the health care industry that’s driving more value-based medicine and consumerism, safe and effective care at a reasonable cost that also recognizes patient choice. The most forward-thinking hospital systems are responding to that shift by forging unique partnerships that better serve people,” said Rick Anderson, CEO of Smart Choice MRI. “We’re proud to partner with Edward-Elmhurst. They understand that offering a high quality health care choice to its community benefits everyone.”

In addition, Bill Kottmann, recently announced as President & CEO of Edward Hospital, effective July 1, is joining Smart Choice MRI’s Board of Directors to represent Edward-Elmhurst’s system interest in the partnership.

Edward-Elmhurst Health is the second healthcare system to invest in Smart Choice MRI. ThedaCare, the largest healthcare system in Northeast Wisconsin, announced an investment of $3 million in February. Capital raised to fund a national expansion totals $14.5 million to date.

Smart Choice MRI uses state-of-the-art GE technology and all scans are interpreted by sub-specialty, board-certified radiologists at the Cleveland Clinic. The price is always an all-inclusive $600 or less, which includes the scan as well as its reading.

About Edward-Elmhurst Health

Edward-Elmhurst Health, a three-hospital system that includes Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, has combined revenues of more than $1 billion, more than 50 locations across a service area of 1.7 million residents, nearly 7,400 employees and nearly 1,900 physicians on its medical staff. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org.

About Smart Choice MRI

Smart Choice MRI is the first MRI provider in the country to offer high quality magnetic resonance imaging to every patient for an all-inclusive fee of $600 or less, which includes the cost of the scan as well as its reading by top radiologists from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. Accredited by the American College of Radiology, Smart Choice MRI is in network for most major insurers, including United Health Care, Anthem and Humana. Headquartered in Mequon, WI, Smart Choice MRI currently has six clinics in Wisconsin: Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Richfield, Waukesha, Kenosha and Appleton, as well as three in the suburbs of Chicago: Schaumburg, Glenview and Skokie. A Chicago clinic is scheduled to open in July 2016. For more information, visit Smart Choice MRI and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.