The Neuro Care Network, a new joint operating agreement between MSU Health Care and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, will offer more convenient local neurological services for an improved patient experience. Effective immediately, the collaborative effort will include inpatient and outpatient neurology, neurosurgery, electrodiagnostic and infusion service lines from both institutions.
“MSU Health Care provides neurology services to thousands of local patients each year and we expect that number to continue to grow,” said Seth Ciabotti, chief executive officer of MSU Health Care, the academic health system of Michigan State University. “The Neuro Care Network enables patients to receive this high level of care as well as additional services. As MSU Health Care continues to build a health system of the future, partnerships like this will help us design experiences that revolve around the needs of patients.”
MSU Health Care and University of Michigan Health have a history of working together to provide neurology care to the mid-Michigan community. MSU Health Care providers have supported patients at the MSU Clinical Center and University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, contributing to its designation as a comprehensive stroke center.
“The agreement will formalize and advance having University of Michigan Health and Michigan State University neurological specialty providers work collaboratively on a variety of clinical advancements and research potential,” said Margaret Dimond, president of UM Health Regional Network, which includes UM Health-Sparrow and UM Health-West. “This collaboration will provide access to a more comprehensive and coordinated experience for patients in Michigan who require specialized care for any neurologic condition. It’s a unique and progressive partnership that will set an example for multi-university collaboration on key diagnostic and treatment breakthroughs.
”According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, Michigan’s supply of neurology specialists will fulfill just 88% of the demand by 2031, which is below national projections for the same period. The Neuro Care Network will work to identify future community needs and collaboratively recruit specialists so that mid-Michigan residents have convenient access to inpatient and outpatient neurology services.
“As our population ages and the rates of neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, stroke and dementia increase, the demand for neurology specialists will continue to outpace the supply,” said John Goudreau, neurologist and interim chair of the MSU Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology. “Working collaboratively strengthens our position to recruit top neurological talent and care for our patients.”
“MSU Health Care and UM Health-Sparrow will be partnering to provide outstanding new services, thus expanding access for our mid-Michigan patients to advanced specialty care without needing to leave the region,” added Aditya Pandey, chair of the UM Health Department of Neurosurgery.
New service lines are also anticipated as a result of this collaboration and will be announced as they are ready for patients. To learn more, visit the MSU Health Care website.