Partnership to benefit patients

PERKINS TWP. — A statewide-based health care organization with a strong presence in the local area recently announced a new nationwide partnership, which, leaders said, will strengthen its ability to provide better care for patients. Sandusky-headquartered NOMS Healthcare, a multispecialty physician group with offices in north-central Ohio and beyond, came together with Vytalize Health to create what's now known as Vytal Health Partners. NOMS is short for Northern Ohio Medical Specialists. Both sides labeled this as "a strategic joint venture" which, above all else, puts patients first. "This partnership is designed to scale NOMS' industry-leading multispecialty practice across Ohio while reinforcing its commitment to independent, physician-led medicine," according to a statement provided by NOMS. Leaders said this restructuring involves employee expansion. In other words, no layoffs are planned based on this partnership. "The joint venture will leverage NOMS' expertise in value-based care and physician practice management with the goal of expanding operations and providing enhanced resources and bandwidth to support NOMS' growth in Ohio," the statement read. NOMS leaders stressed how their organization "remains a fully independent and autonomous organization." This would include its offices retaining the NOMS name and branding. Additionally, and more importantly, patients who visit NOMS for scheduled appointments, urgent care visits and other medical reasons shouldn't notice any changes. "Patients and staff will continue to experience continuity in health care delivery," the statement read. "This partnership secures the long-term value of the NOMS model while preserving its mission of providing excellent, personalized, team-based care." Looking to the leaders To lead this expansion, NOMS announced the following executive leadership transitions, taking effect on or around March 1: Josh Frederick Josh Frederick, CEO of NOMS Healthcare, will transition to the role of CEO of Vytal Health Partners. This newly created joint venture entity will assist NOMS Healthcare's expansion throughout Ohio as well as explore support opportunities in many of the markets where Vytalize has a presence. "In this capacity, he will oversee the scaling of the partnership's shared services, strategic integration and creation of multi-specialty group affiliates," the statement read. Frederick noted how, "This venture has recapitalized our substantial investment in proprietary technology and affirms the significant value of the infrastructure and platform we have built while protecting what we prize most: our people, our brand and our mission." "By partnering with Vytalize, we are strengthening our position in established and emerging markets throughout Ohio," Frederick added. "This partnership ensures NOMS will remain the premier independent practice in Ohio." Rick Schneider Rick Schneider, NOMS' chief strategic officer, received an appointment as president and CEO of NOMS Healthcare. "Schneider will lead the organization's continued clinical excellence and regional growth across its multi-specialty footprint," the statement read. Schneider said all parties involved "are excited to continue our independent, physician-led mission of providing excellent, personalized, team-based care to other communities in Ohio." "The dynamics of health care continue to evolve, but our resolve has never been stronger in supporting local communities and partnering with those physicians and health centers as we navigate this evolution," he added. "This partnership allows us to do just that." Faris Ghawi Faris Ghawi will remain CEO of Vytalize Health. "NOMS Healthcare has built an exceptional physician-led platform rooted in operational excellence and a deep commitment to independent medicine," Ghawi said. Ghawi continued: "This joint venture brings together shared values and complementary strengths, allowing us to scale proven infrastructure while empowering physicians to lead the future of value-based, community-centered care. We're excited to double down alongside our most important partners to support their continued growth and long-term success." In this restructuring, NOMS represents a majority owner of Vytal. Vytalize will serve as a minority owner. Bio blast Here's some information about each health care organization. coming together to form Vytal Health. Those leaders provided the information: • NOMS Healthcare is one of the largest independent, multi-specialty physician groups in Ohio. Founded in 2001 with the mission of providing excellent, personalized, team-based care, NOMS Healthcare is a truly physician-led and physician-owned organization that has since grown to include over 300 providers in 120 locations. Remaining deeply committed to the independent practice of medicine, NOMS Healthcare develops and supports health care practices recognized for exceeding patient expectations. For more information about NOMS Healthcare and its services, visit nomshealthcare.com • Vytalize Health is a risk-bearing provider enablement platform addressing the health care industry's biggest challenges with its cutting-edge, value-based care delivery system. Vytalize partners with more than 3,000 leading primary care providers to improve the quality of care through evidence-based medicine and a patient experience rooted in kindness. By delivering the right data at the right time in the workflow to physicians and their staff, Vytalize makes its partners more efficient and effective, allowing them to focus on proactive, personalized medicine to improve the value of care and lower costs. Learn more at vytalizehealth.com