Ochsner Health and Novant Health have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to enter a collaborative partnership, focused on expanding access to care across the southeastern United States for the 65+ population. This unique approach to care delivery aims to meet the needs of adults 65 and over and provide benefits beyond medical care, including social support and wellness resources to care for the whole person.
The partners plan to build 65 Plus clinics throughout the Southeast, giving older adult patients access to extended visits with their primary care physician and a multidisciplinary team to design a customized care plan to meet individual needs. Each clinic will have several service offerings to encourage patients to live active, healthier lives well into their senior years. Beyond medical needs, 65 Plus clinics will offer a community environment with regular social events, fitness centers, health coaching, and more.
“At Novant Health, we are focused on developing new and innovative care models that are tailored to our patients so they can thrive,” said Carl S. Armato, President and CEO, Novant Health. “We are excited to partner with Ochsner Health. Together, we will increase access to comprehensive care for this growing population of patients who often have unique and complex healthcare needs.”
In May 2022, Ochsner Health opened its first 65 Plus location in Covington, La., and currently operates 65 Plus clinics in Baton Rouge, La., and Pensacola, Fla. The Pensacola location will become the first 65 Plus location of the joint venture and will be co-branded over time to reflect the partnership. Ochsner will continue to fully own and build 65 Plus locations in New Orleans and across Louisiana, and the partners will work together to identify additional locations across the Southeast.
“Since our first 65 Plus location opened in 2022, we have seen excellent patient experience and patient outcomes due to the strength of our innovative model,” said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. “This relationship with Novant Health will expand our ability to provide expert care and allow us to scale our existing expertise to help more patients across the Southeast for years to come. Our partnership represents a new way for health systems to work together to transform healthcare delivery and achieve better outcomes for the communities we serve.”