Mercy seeks independent physician partnerships through new agreement

Chesterfield-based Mercy has entered a systemwide partnership with Nashville, Tennessee-based Wellvana, and a health care executive says the pact will have local impacts.

The 20-year affiliation agreement between the two organizations creates a clinically integrated network through which independent physicians and advanced practice providers have access to Mercy's digital and virtual services, according to a news release. The pact combines Mercy's health care infrastructure with Wellvana's services, including electronic medical record integration and alternative payment models.

"This relationship will be a real positive for Springfield and all of southwest Missouri, which is one of Mercy’s largest and most sophisticated markets," said Dave Thompson, Mercy senior vice president, chief growth officer and president of population health, via email. "It will provide the opportunity for more patients to benefit from the higher-quality care that comes with a value-based care approach."

Thompson said outreach to area independent physicians and advanced practice providers would start in early 2026.

"We are evaluating the needs of the Springfield community and believe most of the independent primary care practices will find our clinically integrated network to be a great tool that will allow them to share best clinical practices, reduce administrative burden and help navigate today’s complex health care reporting landscape," he added. "Our clinically integrated network offers a glide path to value-based contracts, navigation for specialty referrals and direct support for managed care credentialing, which would allow our community’s physicians and advanced practice providers to spend more time focused on the needs of their patients."