Mercy, Cornerstone Partner To Save Jobs

Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas will partner with Cornerstone Healthcare to save 41 jobs in its outpatient therapy program that were on the chopping block one month ago.

On Oct. 3, Mercy announced it was cutting its outpatient therapy program because of a $3.8 million increase in the costs of providing nonreimbursed care.

On Nov. 3, Mercy was excited to report no jobs would be lost and there would be no interruption in care.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cornerstone Healthcare will employ the therapists and manage the operations, while Mercy will retain the naming rights, continue billing responsibilities and utilize the electronic medical record system used within Mercy.

“Instead of transitioning patients and co-workers, Mercy is pleased to arrive at an arrangement that will keep Mercy’s outpatient therapy services open and active,” said Mercy CEO, George Flynn. “This is a best-case-scenario for all parties involved — Mercy, Cornerstone Healthcare, Mercy’s therapy patients and the outpatient therapists.”

The partnership will allow Mercy outpatient therapy services to continue to provide the high level of care in physical, speech and occupational therapy that our patients are accustomed to receiving.

“Mercy Therapy is a vital part of this community, and it is essential that the therapy program continue service to the area,” said Allen Kilgore, President of Cornerstone Healthcare.