Overview
What is being announced?
We have signed the final agreement for Olathe Health to become part of The University of Kansas Health System, and we are now one health system.
We know truly becoming one system requires much more than a signed document. We are preparing to take the next steps toward integration. Today and over the next few weeks, we will acknowledge and celebrate our shared future and the opportunities we have to ensure high-quality care continues to be available for all the communities we serve.
What does this mean?
Olathe Health is now part of The University of Kansas Health System. Together we will continue to provide the highest quality care close to home while expanding patients’ access to more comprehensive and integrated care.
Why are the organizations doing this now?
The healthcare landscape is changing, and Olathe Health and The University of Kansas Health System believe coming together now will best meet patients’ long-term healthcare needs.
This agreement is the result of extensive consideration and firm obligations made by The University of Kansas Health System to secure a thriving future for high-quality, seamless healthcare in Kansas City and the region.
Details
What are the details of the final agreement?
Now, as one health system, we have a great deal of collaborative work to do to integrate our organizations.
While integration planning will determine specific details, today we know:
- All employees and employed advanced practice providers (APPs) of Olathe Health are now part of The University of Kansas Health System, maintaining credit for years of service.
- Employees’ and employed APPs’ pay is not changing at this time.
- Medical, dental and other health benefits will remain the same until January 1, 2024, following open enrollment this fall when employees sign up for The University of Kansas Health System benefits.
- PTO and sick time policies will remain the same during 2023. As we plan integration, we’ll determine how to ensure all employees’ accrued PTO/sick time is honored.
- Physicians currently employed by Olathe Health remain employed by Olathe Health Physicians, Inc., which is now part of The University of Kansas Health System. Employed physicians will not experience any changes to their employment immediately but will work with The University of Kansas Physicians (UKP) at a future date to transition their employment to UKP.
- The majority of employed Olathe Health physicians will likely transition to community divisions, which are clinically focused. Physicians interested in research or education will be able to discuss an academic path with the Chair of the department at the appropriate time during transition and integration conversations.
- Olathe Medical Center and Miami County Medical Center continue to have an open medical staff.
- Significant capital investments in current Olathe Health services, facilities, infrastructure, technology and equipment will be made over time.
- Current services will be enhanced in the Olathe Health service area to deliver on the health system’s commitment to excellence. Examples include:
- Building upon Olathe Health’s strong cancer program by bringing cancer care from The University of Kansas Cancer Center, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, to the Olathe campus
- Continuing to build opportunities for care at a new facility currently being constructed at 151st and Quivira
- Extending the health system’s highly specialized provider network
- Supporting Olathe Medical Center through the Magnet journey, the nation’s most respected designation for nursing excellence
- We will uphold Olathe Health’s ongoing commitment to support the community through sponsorships, memberships and other community engagements.
Are Olathe Health executive leaders joining the combined organization?
Now, as one health system, we have a great deal of collaborative work to do to integrate our organizations.
While integration planning will determine specific details, today we know:
The vast majority of the Olathe Health senior leadership team have transitioned employment to The University of Kansas Health System effective January 1, including:
- Jason Hannagan (Interim CEO, Olathe Health)
- Jeff Dossett (COO)
- Chris Courtney (CNO)
- Mike Jensen (CSO)
- Cathy Wiens (CCO)
- Dr. Elizabeth Long (CMO)
- Nick Sindorf (VP/CIO)
- Teresa Keller (VP, Assistant Chief Legal Officer)
- Beth Kalberg (VP, Enterprise Initiatives)
- Adam Flackus (VP of Operations)
- Paul Luce (Miami County Administrator)
The University of Kansas Health System mutually agreed with Stan Holm, former president/CEO of Olathe Health, he would not join the combined organization. His last day was December 31, 2022. The health system is grateful for Stan’s leadership. He and the Olathe Health Board of Directors pursued a bold vision for expanded high quality care in their communities by approaching the health system and pursuing an agreement to join us. Stan’s focus has always been on building a strong leadership team and doing what is best for patients and the community.
Kris Claymore, former Chief Financial Officer of Olathe Health, decided not to join the health system. She will pursue other opportunities.
Will there be an interim CEO at Olathe Health?
Jason Hannagan, previously the chief ambulatory/legal officer, is serving as the interim CEO. Jason was deeply involved in developing the Letter of Agreement Intent (LOI) and finalizing agreements for Olathe Health to join the health system. Jason has helped build business operations and provided strategic leadership and overall legal guidance for Olathe Health since 2019.
Will Olathe Health's branding change?
Yes. While nothing changes immediately, Olathe Health will transition its brand, including the logo, to The University of Kansas Health System’s brand over time. Specific details and timelines will be determined throughout the integration planning process and will be carefully executed as we work to unify as one health system.
What does this mean for Olathe Health’s boards?
The University of Kansas Health System’s board is now the governing board of Olathe Health. The OMC, MCMC and OHP boards will now be primarily comprised of health system leadership.
A new advisory board will be created, comprised of former Olathe Health board members and health system senior leaders. The new advisory board will ensure the expansion of care and support of the communities served by Olathe Health, acting as a liaison and voice for those it represents.
Additionally, the Olathe Health Charitable Foundation board will remain and will continue to support the needs of patients and communities served.
We thank our board members for their years of service and all they have done to support Olathe Health. Olathe Health leaders and board members agreed becoming part of The University of Kansas Health System was the best assurance for the future of high-quality care in the Olathe Health service area. We would not be in the position we are today without the guidance and leadership of these boards and board members.
What will happen to the planned facility currently being constructed at 151st and Quivira?
In response to the community’s need for increased access to specialty care and outpatient services, Olathe Health began construction in August 2022 to expand their service offerings. As part of The University of Kansas Health System, the health system will continue to build opportunities for care at the site and will announce more details at a future date.
For the Community
How does this announcement affect existing patient care?
No aspects of patient care change today. Our priority continues to be providing compassionate, high-quality primary and specialty care to all patients, just as we do today.
Patients will continue to see the same providers they know and trust without disruption and should keep their appointments and continue to visit the providers, clinics and facilities they always have.
How will this announcement impact future healthcare in our region?
As one health system, patients will continue to receive high-quality care from local providers they know and trust while having expanded access to more comprehensive and integrated care provided by The University of Kansas Health System.
Will you continue to accept my insurance?
Yes. You can still use the same insurance you use with Olathe Health / The University of Kansas Health System today. Patients will continue to access their current providers as they do today without any disruption.
For Employees and Providers
What does this mean for Olathe Health employees and employed advanced practice providers (APPs)?
While integration planning will determine specific details, today we know:
- All employees and employed advanced practice providers (APPs) of Olathe Health are now part of The University of Kansas Health System, maintaining credit for years of service. Almost nothing changes immediately regarding positions, pay or benefits (including PTO and sick leave).
- Employees’ and employed APPs’ pay is not changing at this time.
- Medical, dental and other health benefits will remain the same until January 1, 2024, following open enrollment this fall when employees sign up for The University of Kansas Health System benefits.
- PTO and sick time policies will remain the same during 2023. As we plan integration, we’ll determine how to ensure all employees’ accrued PTO/sick time is honored.
- Physicians currently employed by Olathe Health remain employed by Olathe Health Physicians, Inc., which is now part of The University of Kansas Health System. Employed physicians will not experience any changes to their employment immediately but will work with The University of Kansas Physicians (UKP) at a future date to transition their employment to UKP.
- The majority of employed Olathe Health physicians will likely transition to community divisions, which are clinically focused. Physicians interested in research or education will be able to discuss an academic path with the Chair of the department at the appropriate time during transition and integration conversations.
- Olathe Medical Center and Miami County Medical Center continue to have an open medical staff.
What does this mean for Olathe Health employed physicians and physicians on medical staff at OMC and/or MCMC?
Olathe Medical Center and Miami County Medical Center continue to have an open medical staff. Existing contracts will not change at this time.
What does this mean for The University of Kansas Health System employees and providers?
Health system employees and providers will continue to provide care and work where and how they do today.
Process and Next Steps
What is the process and what happens next?
Over the next several months, we will collaboratively begin planning for Olathe Health to integrate into The University of Kansas Health System in a way that respectfully supports both organizations’ patients, providers and employees. With a shared focus on expanded access to seamless care for those in our region, we will take the time needed to thoughtfully plan for integration.
How to learn more/stay updated?
We encourage you to check this site often as we will provide regular updates. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and submit questions.
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