Merger creates largest private practice group in Illinois

Two radiology groups in Illinois have merged, making them the largest private practice radiology group in the state. Effective Feb. 1, Central Illinois Radiological Associates and Springfield Radiology Associates have joined forces to employ 70 radiologists.

The groups will operate under the name Central Illinois Radiological Associates (CIRA) and cover 15 hospitals, including Methodist Medical Center, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Proctor Hospital, and St. John's Hospital.

"The Springfield Radiology merger is a joint effort by both groups simultaneously as opposed to one saying, ‘We need you,' or the other saying, ‘We can help you,'" said Greg Hill, CEO and corporate counsel of CIRA.

Both groups provide subspecialty care and are affiliated with residency programs, so it's a great fit, he said.

"It's not just good for the radiology group," Hill said. "The beneficiary of this are the patients throughout central Illinois."

Patients benefit because CIRA can provide a wide range of subspecialty interpretations, he said.

In the past seven years CIRA has had at least seven acquisitions, Hill said. He attributes the growth to the company's business model, which is to provide subspecialty interpretation and transfer images, rather than the physician, from one location to another.