We know that you may have questions about the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center and what it means for you, your family and your neighbors here in west Texas. Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you learn more about our vision and what we’re trying to achieve together. You can also submit a question of your own in the box to the right.
Updated September 21, 2020:
Shannon doesn’t take my insurance right now. Will they do so going forward?
Once we complete this process, we intend to honor all existing insurance plans and patients can receive care at either facility.
Will I still be able to see my doctors at Community?
Patients will have access to their current doctor and an even broader number of providers and specialists. Patients can receive care at either facility or from any providers in our combined network.
Won’t the loss of competition negatively impact the community? How do we know prices won’t increase?
We believe the proposed acquisition will improve care for everyone in West Texas, while also ensuring that local healthcare dollars and decision-making stay right here in our community, where they belong. One benefit of a COPA is that it protects the interests of the community and ensures the cost of care remains affordable for local employers and patients. The state regulatory review provided by the COPA will prevent Shannon from raising prices above the competitive level to benefit our community’s employers, patients, and payors.
How will employees at San Angelo Community Medical Center be impacted? Will there be a loss of jobs or change in wages?
It is our intent to continue working with all employees in good standing, honoring years of service and compensation. There are nearly 300,000 people across 25 counties in our region who count on all of us for their healthcare. Like other regional providers, Shannon competes for talent with health systems and hospitals throughout Texas and the country. We will and must continue to offer competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain staff following the proposed transaction.
I have always received great care at Community. What if I don’t want to lose that?
We understand our patients have preferences on who cares for them. We are committed to building on the strengths of both organizations to make our combined organization the very best it can be for patients and employees. All changes will include the feedback of physicians and staff at both facilities to make sure we are incorporating best practices from both to ensure the best care and experience for patients.
Updated April 20, 2020:
How can I stay updated? Where can I learn more?
We are committed to keeping our community informed as we move through this process. Please view our Stay Informed page to receive email updates about Shannon Medical Center.
What is being announced?
Shannon West Texas Memorial Hospital have signed an agreement to acquire the assets of San Angelo Community Medical Center from subsidiaries of Nashville-based Community Health Systems, Inc. (CHS), advancing its commitment to preserve and expand access to high-quality, community-based healthcare for west Texans.
Who made this decision?
After thoughtful consideration, The Shannon Board of Trustees has acted on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine the strength and expertise of our community’s hospitals and reinvest cost savings to preserve and expand access to much needed healthcare services.
Through the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center, Shannon has the opportunity to protect healthcare and local healthcare decision-making in our community, expand service offerings and ensure west Texans have access to highest quality healthcare for generations to come.
Why was this decision made?
At Shannon, we feel a deep sense of obligation to ensure our friends, family and neighbors in west Texans continue to have access to the care they need when and where they need it.
As a community-owned and led health system with an 85+ year history of serving west Texas, we are seizing on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine the strength and expertise of our community’s hospitals and reinvest cost savings to preserve and expand access to much needed healthcare services.
Through the proposed acquisition, Shannon has the opportunity to protect healthcare and local healthcare decision-making in our community, expand service offerings and ensure west Texans have access to highest quality healthcare for generations to come.
How long will the process take?
We expect to finalize the acquisition by fall of 2020, subject to regulatory approval.
What will change for the employees at San Angelo Community Medical Center?
There will be no changes in either organization for at least the next 120 days as we go through regulatory approval. Once we complete this process, all San Angelo Community Medical Center employees in good standing will be retained at their current salary and years of service.
What will happen to Community Health Club?
This acquisition does include Community Health Club. It is a great facility, and we look forward to continuing its services.
How will patients benefit from this acquisition?
Through the proposed acquisition of San Angelo Community Medical Center, Shannon Medical Center will be able to preserve and strengthen local governance, quality and access.
- Local governance: Through the proposed acquisition, healthcare decision-making will stay in our community, and so will revenue that will be reinvested in local jobs and making care better. Just as Shannon has done since its founding, every decision will be made with our community in mind.
- Quality: Shannon is committed to improving the health – and quality of life – for individuals and families throughout west Texas. Through the proposed acquisition, Shannon will be able to make an even bigger impact in addressing the most significant health issues facing our region including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Access: The proposed acquisition will enable Shannon to preserve and expand access to care for the people we serve across west Texas. Care will be delivered through more access points than ever before and through new opportunities in telemedicine – bringing desperately needed services to the most remote parts of our region. The proposed acquisition will also allow Shannon to further investments in indigent care and charity care for patients.
Will my insurance still be accepted?
There will be no changes in either organization for at least the next 120 days as we go through regulatory approval. Once we complete this process, we intend to honor all existing insurance plans and patients can receive care at either facility.
Will there be service changes as a result?
It is important to know nothing changes immediately today for patients or employees of either organization. San Angelo Community Medical Center and Shannon will continue to operate as separate and independent organizations, serving the community just as they have for many years. For the long term, the vision Shannon’s Board of Trustees is pursuing is focused on advancing its commitment to expand access to high-quality, community-based not-for-profit healthcare for west Texans.