The Centers for Orthopaedics (OA), Central Maine Orthopaedics (CMO) and Spectrum Medical Group (Spectrum) announced on March 28 they have signed a letter of intent to explore a possible merger and integration of their medical practices to help lower healthcare costs to patients. This would mark the largest independent physician practice consolidation in recent Maine history. It is anticipated that the integration will be completed by the end of 2013.

The integration would not affect patients’ relationships with their individual physicians or their day-to-day interactions with the practices. It also will provide patients with long-term benefits that result from the practices’ ability to remain independent.

The roots of this decision began with conversations between the Portland-based OA and Auburn-based CMO. The two organizations determined that a consolidation would be in the best interest of patients of both practices. They jointly approached Spectrum Medical Group about integrating into its organization. Spectrum is the largest independent medical practice in Northern New England and has expanded its specialty service offerings over the past few years.

Spectrum Medical Group, based in South Portland, consists of nine operating divisions across Maine and New Hampshire in the specialties of anesthesiology, critical care medicine, diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, neurology, pathology, physical medicine & rehabilitation, radiation oncology and surgery. The integration of OA and CMO will result in the development of an orthopae.

More information about the practices can be found at www.orthoassociates.com, www.cmogroup.org and www.spectrummedicalgroup.com/.