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Mercy’s WB clinic now owned by UIHC
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · February 07, 2024
“Thank you for choosing UI Health Care - West Branch!” said the clerk of the local doctor’s office answering the phone last week.
Mercy Family Medicine of West Branch, also known as West Branch Family Practice, on Jan. 31 underwent new owners as part of the sale of Mercy Iowa City to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Mercy Iowa City hospital saw its name changed to University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown, so other related offices got similar names depending on services or location.
Taylor Vessel, spokesperson for UIHC, said West Branch’s tan-and-white sign will likely get changed in the next couple of months, but most of the services will remain unchanged.
“We’re focused on a smooth transition,” he said.
However, local patients will need to update records and sign new Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) forms.
For now, UIHC will keep Mercy’s “Follow My Health” online medical records portal, but that will eventually merge with UIHC’s MyChart, he said.
Dr. Brad Heithoff and ANRPs Mark Atcher and Lynette Landrum Arkema Rice will remain as primary physicians in West Branch.
Vessel said UIHC will notify patients about each step of the merging process through mail; on their website, uihc.org; or through its Facebook page, “University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.”
Mercy Hosptial - Iowa City will maintain its Facebook page — which now contains an “Iowa Health Care” logo.
There, patients can find an FAQ link: https://uihc.org/downtown.
According to a UIHC press release, about 1,000 Mercy staff made the move to the new employer.
“This marks a new and exciting chapter for health care in our state,” Dr. Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, said. “This is an opportunity for UI Health Care to move toward a more integrated model of care, helping Iowans get the right care, at the right place, at the right time. Together we are stronger, and we will use our shared strengths to better serve Iowans.”
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