BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Intermountain Health, which operates Saltzer Health in the Treasure Valley, plans to close the medical provider.
A press release from Saltzer Health confirms the company plans to sell or cease operations on March 29 due to financial difficulties. The company says they are working to secure a buyer for at least some parts of it.
The statement says some employees may be retained if a sale is achieved in time, though that would appear to be up to the new buyer and is far from a certainty for any of Saltzer Health's 486 providers.
The company says financial pressures with the rising cost of providing care, driven by inflation, have played a significant role in the decision. Saltzer promises to contact patients and provide them with their options.
CBS2 has heard from multiple sources about this closure.
One provider tells us they have been given 60 days to find new jobs and to ensure their patients will not be left without care, medications or necessary treatment for the next several months with the influx of other Saltzer Health patients looking for new providers.
A healthcare provider explained that getting a new job as a provider is not as simple as moving to a new office. Providers often need to be credentialed at every location they work, and unfortunately, that credentialing process can take four months or more to complete.
That credentialing period could leave some providers without a paycheck for months after Saltzer closes, months without pay in one of the most expensive economic environments the area has ever seen.
St. Luke's sent CBS2 a response to Saltzer Health's closure:
We were sorry to hear the news of the potential closure of multiple Saltzer Health locations in Idaho. The Saltzer brand has been synonymous with high-quality, patient-centered care for decades, and we have admired the Saltzer team's service to the community throughout the years. St. Luke's is committed to helping fill gaps in access to care that this closure may create for our communities.Primary Health Medical Group response to the closure of Saltzer Health:
We extend our support to the dedicated staff and providers at Saltzer Health, who have been an integral part of healthcare in the Treasure Valley for more than 60 years. Their closure would impact tens of thousands of patient lives, and our goal as a community should be to ensure every patient receives the care they need, when they need it.We share Saltzer Health’s optimism that a purchase may allow them to remain in business; however, for patients who need to transition care, we offer the following resources: Primary Health Urgent Care is open daily till 8 PM – walk in or book online, Family medicine providers are accepting new patients across the Treasure Valley, some with appointment availability as early as next week, Specialists and Pediatricians are accepting new patients in Boise, Meridian and Nampa. We understand this is a challenging time and are prepared to help in any way we can.Saint Alphonsus response to the closure of Saltzer Health:
Saint Alphonsus is committed to serving our communities and we will support and engage with Saltzer and their patients as needed and as asked to ensure continuity of care and the health of our community.ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwtc2tnKuln6q7ta3Ip2ShnZGhwal506hknKSfqLJuv8Clq7OdomK1pq3LrZ9moZ5itqWtx6g%3D