Frequently Asked Questions
How did the acquisition come about?
St. Louis-based Ascension made the strategic decision to exit the Mobile marketplace and sought an acquirer for Providence Hospital and its facilities.
In April of 2022, Corporate Ascension contacted the University of South Alabama to acquire Providence Health System. Their decision was based on like missions and culture gained from leadership meetings over the past six years. Mutual trust between Corporate Ascension and the University of South Alabama will leave Providence Health System, the community, region, employees, patients, physicians, providers and supporters in the best possible hands.
When will the acquisition be finalized?
USA Health is working on a timeline to close the transaction in the fall of 2023. Until that time, Providence Health System will still be under the direction of Ascension.
How much is USA Health paying to acquire Providence Health System?
The University of South Alabama is acquiring Providence Health System for $85 million.
How will my resources be affected?
We do not anticipate any changes to the resources and commitments to our existing hospitals and providers. In fact, this will give us the opportunities to enhance our mission through the growth of the clinical, educational and research endeavors.
How will the acquisition expand our physician network?
This will bring additional providers under the USA Health umbrella through current Providence Health System providers.
How will the acquisition affect the community?
Acquiring Providence Health System will allow USA Health to enhance our capabilities across our tripartite mission of education, research and clinical care. Decisions will be made locally to benefit physicians, staff, and community. Jobs across the spectrum will be created, and the profits will be reinvested to benefit USA Health and the region.
Will hospital services be relocated?
We have agreed upon the terms and signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with both USA and Ascension board approval. As we wait for the necessary regulatory approvals, we have engaged Guidehouse consulting firm to aid us in the strategic planning. Michelle Moratti who previously worked at Chartis consulting and led our previous strategic plan will be the lead on the engagement. She has a deep understanding of USA Health, Providence Health System and our regional market.
Why are we buying Providence Health System?
Acquiring Providence Health System will allow USA Health to enhance our capabilities across our tripartite mission of education, research and clinical care.
The acquisition of Providence will allow USA Health and Providence together to
- build upon the reputation for providing healthcare, education and research that transforms medicine in the upper Gulf Coast region.
- continue to recruit the very best healthcare students, providers and employees to the area, where they will contribute in many ways to their communities.
- create jobs and opportunities for more people across a wide spectrum to bolster Mobile and the surrounding region.
- increase educational and research opportunities throughout the entire spectrum of UME, GME, nursing and allied health for the entire university.
The strengthening of USA Health strengthens the University of South Alabama.
Does Providence use a different EMR system?
Providence also uses Cerner and Athena.