PHOENIX (Oct. 1, 2007) Banner Health has joined forces with Arizona Medical Clinic, a West Valley multi-specialty clinic of 88 physicians and 15 mid-level health care providers. Arizona Medical Clinic, founded in 1974, has two main campuses with other satellite facilities. It has two surgery centers, an eye clinic, pain clinic, and same-day care clinics as well as comprehensive imaging services.

"This is a way we can help address the physician shortage by offering physicians different choices when it comes to practice models,'' said Suzanne Coyne, Regional Vice President of Physician Resources for Banner Health.

"Banner is a perfect partner for us. We've both invested heavily in Electronic Medical Records and are very interested in using rapidly improving technology to improve patient care,'' said Dave Kobriger, CEO of Arizona Medical Clinic.

The partnership will also make it easier for Arizona Medical Clinic to continue to recruit physicians to the West Valley, said Dr. Alan Grubman, chief medical officer for Arizona Medical Clinic.

"Increasingly, physicians may not be interested in setting up their own practices. Being employed physicians means that they don't have to worry as much about billing and practice management,'' he said.

Having employed physicians allows Banner to have a wider variety of specialists. Banner Health and Arizona Medical Clinic also will be able to share technology for better patient care.

"Our partnership can reduce duplication of efforts and reduce errors. It can streamline the processes and improve the patient experience whether they are in the physicians' office or in one of our hospital rooms,'' Grobman said.