DULUTH, Minn. — St. Luke’s, based in Duluth, Minnesota, has officially completed its affiliation with Wausau-based Aspirus Health, according to a news release issued Friday.

The expanded health system now operates 19 hospitals and 130 outpatient locations with nearly 14,000 team members, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians across northeastern Minnesota, northern and central Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The system will operate headquarters in Wausau and maintain a corporate office in Duluth.? 

The combined system will collaborate in clinical care, sharing medical knowledge and resources to improve care coordination and increase patient access for a broad region. This will improve patient outcomes, provide more cost-effective services and advance the overall quality of health care.  

? “We are proud to welcome St. Luke’s and Lake View to the Aspirus family,” said Matt Heywood, Aspirus Health President and CEO. “Our collective strengths will improve health for our communities, and we look forward to what the future holds for our patients, staff and all who rely on our system for excellent care. Our combined team can now begin working together as champions for the future of health in our communities.”? 

Eric Lohn, St. Luke’s co-president, said the affiliation is viewed as a continuation of the system’s mission to care for patients and communities.

Both Aspirus and St. Luke’s have worked since announcing a letter of intent to affiliate last summer, including signing a definitive agreement, completing due diligence and participating in a public forum with the Minnesota Attorney General’s office in Duluth last fall. The affiliation has satisfied all necessary governmental notices, waiting periods and approvals, and completed the Minnesota Attorney General’s review process.  

“We appreciate the support this affiliation received from all officials involved,” Heywood said.

?? As part of the affiliation, Aspirus commits to:?? 

  • Honor all physician, labor and union contracts. 
  • Invest at least $300 million over eight years to fund St. Luke’s strategic projects.? 
  • Implement the Epic electronic medical record platform and other standard systems to promote integration and efficiency within 24 months.? 
  • Expand Aspirus Health Plan into St. Luke’s service area within two years, subject to regulatory constraints and timelines, to promote coordinated, cost-efficient and effective delivery of health care services to its members.? 

Patient care and services will continue as usual.