ThedaCare has reached an agreement to acquire the Wisconsin Institute of Urology, the largest independent urology practice in Wisconsin.
As part of its agreement, ThedaCare will also become the majority member of the Wisconsin Institute of Surgical Excellence, an ambulatory surgery center.
“The vision of our enhanced urology care team is to ensure access to services for people in Northeast and Central Wisconsin by sharing best practices and creating stronger, more integrated care journeys for our patients,” said Dale Gisi, Senior Vice President of the ThedaCare North Region. “Our goal, as we welcome these specialized physicians and caregivers to our growing team, is to ensure patients continue to receive integrated, high-quality urology care.”
Current demographics of the region are increasing demand for urology services.
“The aging population is impacting urology services in two ways, making the current urology environment unsustainable,” said Gisi. “Adults age 65 years and older account for one of the most rapidly growing segments of the population and utilize urological services at a higher rate than the general population. In Wisconsin, people 65+ are projected to nearly double between 2010 and 2040, with nearly 50% of people expecting to be diagnosed with a urology condition in their lifetime.”
Gisi also noted that the aging population is impacting providers. Nationwide, the retiring urologist workforce will likely outpace new urologists entering the field. The median age of urologists is 55, with nearly 30% over 65.
Over the last several months, urology care teams at ThedaCare, WIU and WISE have been working together on the transition.
The breadth of current urology services is expected to continue. All urology care locations will be in ThedaCare facilities, including Neenah, New London, Oshkosh, Shawano and Waupaca.
The agreement between the organizations was finalized and became effective Aug. 1.
