LONGVIEW—The physicians of East Texas Gastroenterology Associates have elected to join Good Shepherd Physician Services effective February 1. Good Shepherd Health System employs more than 80 providers offering practice efficiencies and low overhead costs.

“As healthcare is changing, we see aligning ourselves with Good Shepherd as advantageous for both our practice of medicine and the care of our patients,” said Bill Torres, MD. “We will have the security knowing we can focus on medicine and allow Good Shepherd to help us operate our practice efficiently.”

“With declining reimbursements in today’s healthcare climate, working together more closely will create efficiencies and provide patients with the highest quality of care at the lowest cost,” said Ed Banos, president and chief executive officer of Good Shepherd Health System.

This arrangement will provide opportunities for the physicians to be more involved in development of hospital care models and protocols that maximizes the effectiveness and quality of hospital care to the chronic patient. They are planning to become mentors and instructors to the Internal Medicine residents scheduled to begin rotations in the summer of 2012. In addition, they will also be more involved in development of wellness programs that promote prevention and manage chronic illness.

As the area’s preferred hospital, Good Shepherd has received numerous awards and recognition for providing high quality care to patients. Most recently, CareChex, a division of The Delta Group independent ratings company, named Good Shepherd Medical Center among the Top 100 in the Nation in Medical Excellence for the following specialties:

* Overall Hospital Care

* Cardiac Care

* Gastrointestinal Care

* Orthopedic Care

* Trauma Care

* Women’s Health



Also, HealthGrades, the nation’s leading independent healthcare ratings company, recognized Good Shepherd with the following quality recognition:

o Five-Star Rated for Treatment of Heart Attack – 8 years in a row (2003 – 2010)

o Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award – 6 years in a row (2005 – 2010)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas has designated Good Shepherd Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center for experience in comprehensive care with the best outcomes in:

o Hip & Knee Replacement

o Spine Surgery