Va. hospital to merge with Sentara Healthcare

Martha Jefferson Hospital of Charlottesville, Va., has reported its intent to merge with Sentara Healthcare, a nonprofit health system based in Norfolk, Va. Martha Jefferson's health services board voted unanimously on the decision.

According to the hospital, Martha Jefferson will join with Sentara to achieve best practices, acquire technology, integrate information systems and provide care to the community.

Sentara Healthcare includes eight Virginia-based acute care hospitals, home care services, medical transport and an insurance plan.

It will take six months or more to undergo a due diligence phase and complete regulatory review, the hospital stated.

Around the web

Positron, a New York-based nuclear imaging company, will now provide Upbeat Cardiology Solutions with advanced PET/CT systems and services. 

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.