Lancaster General Health to Join Penn Medicine August 1

Effective Aug. 1, Lancaster General Health (LG Health) will become a member of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine). The integration follows recently completed reviews by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Trade Commission.

The combination unites one of the nation’s top academic medical centers - world-renowned for its clinical and research excellence - with a health system nationally ranked for its clinical quality. Both are among the top five systems in Pennsylvania, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

“Joining the University of Pennsylvania Health System strengthens our region’s access to cost-effective, high-quality care, will improve our communities’ health and well-being, and will strengthen our complementary teaching and research missions,” said Thomas E. Beeman, President & Chief Executive Officer of Lancaster General Health. “An acclaimed partner such as Penn Medicine is essential to our efforts to successfully transform healthcare during a time of unprecedented change in our industry.”

Penn Medicine will provide for the healthcare needs of the LG Health community for as long as LG Health may be affiliated with Penn Medicine. LG Health’s assets will continue to be used to advance the health and well-being of the LG Health community.

LG Health’s governance will continue under its existing Board of Trustees, consisting of 14 volunteer business and community members and LG Health’s CEO. Two of the 14 will be selected by Penn Medicine. Likewise, three LG Health Trustees will join Penn Medicine’s Board of Trustees.

LG Health’s extensive community benefit efforts, including its charity-care policies, community health programs, and initiatives improving the health of the elderly, poor and other at-risk populations, will continue and be governed by the LG Health Board of Trustees.

“Lancaster General Health is an exceptional organization, providing the highest levels of care for patients and a leader in population health management,” said Ralph W. Muller, CEO, University of Pennsylvania Health System. “Uniting with LG Health offers powerful opportunities to connect medical teams and experts to improve care for all patients we serve and find solutions to healthcare delivery challenges ahead.

“A shared mission of innovation in all facets of healthcare is what brought us together and empowers us going forward as we embark on new discoveries to improve lives in our communities and across the Commonwealth.”

The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences remains a part of the Lancaster General Health system.