DMC, WSU physicians finalize deal to extend partnership 5 years
Mark Hicks
The Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University Physician Group have finalized a new five-year agreement continuing their partnership, officials said Wednesday.
Under the deal tentatively agreed to last month, the Wayne State doctors are continuing to provide patients with clinical care for select adult services and fill certain medical leadership roles with DMC, the groups said in a statement. The more than 300 physicians treat area patients across various specialties.
It includes provisions to boost patient care and benefit both sides, including a collaboration on such issues as performance-based metrics, according to the release.
A joint operating committee representing leaders from each group is slated to oversee clinical program strategies, including plans for service lines, staffing needs and ambulatory services, as well as capital investments, officials reported.
“This agreement is yet another example of how DMC is ensuring it will remain a leading care provider for Detroit and a world-class academic medical center,” said DMC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Tony Tedeschi.
“The new agreement with WSUPG solidifies DMC’s family of physicians, joining outstanding doctors in the DMC Medical Group as well as community physicians who provide care at DMC. Today’s announcement also shows what’s possible when two organizations work together for a common good: stronger care for the community.”
The new agreement was reached through a 13-member negotiating team that included seven doctors representing DMC, the doctors group and Wayne State University School of Medicine.
“We are pleased about this clinical agreement between WSUPG and DMC,” said Dr. Charles Shanley, the doctors group's president and CEO. “This will strengthen our ability to provide access to highly specialized care and further our mission to support the health care needs of the community.”
The agreement followed months of contention.
Last spring, both sides said they intended to end their historic partnership, which could have sparked major shifts for the region's health care industry, but later agreed to keep negotiating.
mhicks@detroitnews.com