Tennessee Heart Transitions to Independent Practice for Enhanced Patient Care

Tennessee Heart's Growth as an Independent Practice

Tennessee Heart, a leading cardiology group in Middle Tennessee, recently announced a significant transition. The practice is now an independent, physician-led entity through a partnership with Atria Health. This move signals a new chapter aimed at expanding patient access to cardiovascular care and enhancing service offerings in the region.

During this transition, Tennessee Heart will affiliate with Stern Cardiovascular, which ranks among the nation’s prominent independent cardiovascular groups. This strategic partnership not only allows Tennessee Heart to retain its longstanding name and local leadership but also provides critical access to clinical expertise and operational resources that are essential for growth.

Dr. Vert Cornielle of Tennessee Heart emphasized the importance of this shift, noting that the growing population in Middle Tennessee necessitates an increased focus on cardiovascular care that is readily available to patients. He believes that this change will enable the practice to be more proactive in addressing the long-term healthcare needs of the community, focusing on the recruitment of new cardiologists and the expansion of specialized services.

For over fifty years, Tennessee Heart has delivered high-quality cardiovascular care to the Upper Cumberland region. Building on this solid foundation, the practice aims to bring in more physicians and evaluate new investments in advanced cardiovascular services. Of particular note are the plans to introduce cutting-edge screening technologies, such as an in-house PET/CT cardiac imaging system and an advanced cardiovascular ultrasound platform. These innovations will offer comprehensive diagnostic capabilities, enabling earlier and more thorough detection of cardiovascular diseases without necessitating invasive procedures.

The announcement is timely, particularly as cardiovascular practices across the country face heightened demand for care amid an ongoing physician shortage. Many are exploring alternatives to maintain physician-led operations while acquiring the necessary expertise and resources to cater to patients’ evolving needs. Dr. Mariano Battaglia expressed excitement about returning to the roots of medicine, where physicians have the autonomy to make decisions based on patient welfare and community needs. He notes that being part of an independent practice allows them to preserve what makes Tennessee Heart unique while simultaneously driving growth for the future.

Through the collaboration with Stern Cardiovascular, Tennessee Heart is poised to enhance its operational capacities significantly. This partnership is set to facilitate a robust recruitment strategy, broaden access to advanced cardiovascular services, and explore new care delivery models, all under the umbrella of independent leadership that prioritizes patient care.

Dr. Matthew Eakins, CEO and Co-founder of Atria Health, underscored the need for independent groups to maintain their identity and local leadership while also having access to the capital and resources essential for competition in the current healthcare landscape. His assertion is that successful practices will be those that remain doctor-led and patient-centered while being well-resourced for growth.

About Tennessee Heart

Tennessee Heart is dedicated to providing comprehensive cardiovascular care throughout Middle Tennessee. With an experienced team of cardiologists and advanced practice providers, the practice upholds a commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered approaches.

About Stern Cardiovascular

Founded in 1920, Stern Cardiovascular is a major player in the tri-state cardiovascular sector. The group has established itself as a leader in cardiovascular medicine and research while offering a range of services tailored to various cardiac conditions across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

About Atria Health

Atria Health supports independent cardiology practices in sustaining high performance whilst maintaining their autonomy. The company's unique partnership helps strengthen practice decisions, efficiency, and the transition to value-based care, allowing physicians full ownership and control over their practices.