Erlanger partners with MDP Management to oversee hospitalist program

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Erlanger Health System has entered into an agreement with MDP Management, a locally-owned physician management firm, to manage and oversee hospitalist physicians who provide daily care to Erlanger patients.

Hospitalists, internal medicine and critical care specialists employed by Erlanger currently “co-manage” patient care and coordinate treatment and communications with each patient’s regular personal physician.  At its February board meeting, Erlanger’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution outlining an agreement between the hospital and MDP Management to direct Erlanger’s 18-doctor hospitalist program.

“This new partnership represents Erlanger’s continuing focus on providing the highest quality patient care and enhancing the patient experience,” said Dr. Jan Keys, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for the Erlanger Health System.  “As part of our ongoing vision to serve as the region’s hospital of choice, Erlanger’s new agreement with MDP to manage our hospitalist program is another step in that direction.”

“We are extremely pleased with Erlanger’s decision to partner with our organization,” said Courtney Lewis, Chief Operating Officer for MDP Management.  “MDP Management’s primary goal is quality of care which is measured by being able to quickly respond to patient’s needs.  In addition to meeting high performance standards, hospitalists provide patient care every hour of every day.  We are committed to enhancing the level of patient care at Erlanger through training, as well as efficient and effective delivery of patient care, communication and coordination.”

In addition to program management fees, MDP Management will be paid based on improved quality of care, said Dr. Keys.  MDP Management’s contract for Erlanger’s hospitalist program will begin on March 1, 2014.