Contact: Ryan Davenport, 612-672-4164

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 6, 2008) -- University of Minnesota Physicians and Edina-based Minnesota Heart Clinic announced plans to merge their cardiology programs and, together with Fairview, will create a new, integrated cardiovascular program. The October 1 merger expands Fairview and University of Minnesota Physicians’ ability to meet growing patient demand for cardiovascular services at Fairview’s seven hospitals, 48 primary care clinics and throughout Minnesota. It also moves the three organizations toward a long-term vision for an innovative, integrated service line, transforming how cardiovascular care is delivered to patients throughout the region.
     

The merger brings together community and academic physicians to create one of the largest cardiology programs in the state. People 18 and older will be able to take advantage of a full continuum of world-class care options from prevention and treatment of heart disease to heart transplantation and the latest medical research.

The award-winning programs are recognized for key clinical quality indicators in cardiac care by organizations that include HealthGrades, an independent health care ratings organization. The merger will leverage the programs' strengths and help to foster an innovative clinical environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes in such wide ranging areas as advanced heart failure, coronary interventional procedures and acute myocardial infarction, or heart attack. HealthGrades rated Minnesota Heart Clinic and Edina-based Fairview Southdale Hospital number one in Minnesota in cardiology and cardiac care in 2008. The University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview, is rated in the top 50 hospitals nationally for heart and heart surgery in U.S. News and World Report’s 2008 “Best Hospitals” rankings.

Minnesota Heart Clinic will continue to see patients at the clinic’s current locations in Edina, Burnsville, Princeton and Wyoming. To learn more, visit fairview.org/heartcareformn or call 612-672-7252.    

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