Impact

Penn State Health, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates reach agreement

Central Pennsylvania practice to join region’s leading health system

Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates' three locations in Lemoyne, Carlisle and York see more than 24,000 patients each year. It also provides critical care services for many community hospitals in the region, including UPMC Pinnacle locations in Harrisburg, Carlisle and the West Shore. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health and Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Associates (PCCMA) announced today (Dec. 20) that they have reached an agreement for the practice to join Penn State Health Medical Group. Together, they will expand access to outpatient pulmonary care as well as support the growth of inpatient care at Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, an acute care hospital under construction in Cumberland County.

Penn State Health and PCCMA will collaborate to continue the high-level, compassionate care its patients have come to expect. The affiliation will allow practice providers to offer local residents enhanced access to complete, specialized pulmonary and critical care close to home, in coordination with Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health’s flagship Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

“Partnering with the largest independent pulmonary practice group in the state that has served so much of central Pennsylvania for decades is tremendous for Penn State Health, and for patients,” said Dr. Peter Dillon, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Penn State Health. “PCCMA and Penn State Health share the same dedication to providing outstanding care, and together we will provide more local access to specialty care for all patients in the region who need these services.”

PCCMA has been a leader in pulmonary and critical care in central Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. Its mission is to provide compassionate, state-of-the-art care for patients with lung diseases and sleep disorders. Since its start in 1978, PCCMA has been recognized as a leading resource for treatments for a wide range of disease and illness, including COPD, asthma, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. At its sleep laboratory in Lemoyne, PCCMA evaluates and treats disorders including insomnia, narcolepsy, REM sleep behavior disorder, snoring and sleep apnea.

“Penn State Health shares our value of providing thoughtful, compassionate care to every patient,” said Dr. Richard Evans, CEO and president of PCCMA. “Penn State Health’s reputation and respect for PCCMA’s mission and culture will help make the transition easy for our staff and our patients. We look forward to partnering to expand access to high-level care while continuing to serve our community partners.”

PCCMA’s three locations in Lemoyne, Carlisle and York see more than 24,000 patients each year. It also provides critical care services for many community hospitals in the region, including UPMC Pinnacle locations in Harrisburg, Carlisle and the West Shore.

The agreement between the two organizations — which will take effect in March 2020 — means that the approximately 65 employees of PCCMA, including 11 physicians and 10 advanced practice providers, will become Penn State Health employees.

Last Updated January 14, 2020