UPMC and Butler Health System formed a joint partnership to acquire Tri Rivers Associates, a multispecialty physician practice that has had a presence in Butler County since 1994.

“In an era when health care is changing both nationally and regionally, independent practices such as ours must strategically align themselves with strong partners so they can continue to expand their services for patients while ensuring their long-term stability in this ever-changing landscape,” said D. Kelly Agnew, M.D., president and managing partner of Tri Rivers Surgical Associates.

Tri Rivers, which has six offices including five in Butler County, also will change its name to Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers when the transition is complete Jan. 1.

Although the practice no longer will be independent, Agnew said the transition should be “seamless” with no noticeable effects to patients.

“The only thing that is changing is the management of our practice,” Agnew said.

Tri River’s current services, locations, 21 physicians and staff will remain the same. According to the practice’s website, it offers services in orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, primary care sports and rheumatology.

Under the agreement, patients who have Highmark as well as UPMC insurance products will be covered at the practice’s locations. Some Highmark patients who have surgery at Passavant may not have full coverage after Jan. 1.

“We remain a strong part of the community able to care for any patient who comes through our doors. I think we are further strengthened by our two strong partners: UPMC and Butler Health Systems,” Agnew said.

Agnew declined to say how much money was involved in the transaction and representatives of UPMC and Butler Health System released the following statements only:

“The fine doctors and staff of Tri Rivers Surgical have served our region for decades, practicing at both Butler Memorial Hospital and UPMC Passavant. Pursuing this opportunity is consistent with BHS’s approach to sometimes act independently, and at other times collaborate with strong partners. This is an example of collaborating with such a partner. We are pleased that we can again demonstrate Butler Health System’s ability to meet the needs of individual physicians, their practice, patients, and the community,” said Ken DeFurio, president and CEO of BHS.

And from Steven Shapiro, M.D., executive vice president, chief medical and scientific officer and president, health services division of UPMC: “UPMC has a long-standing, successful collaborative relationship with BHS, and we are pleased to partner with them on this joint venture that helps ensure the continuation and expansion of quality health care provided by this exceptional group of physicians and health care professionals.”

Tri Rivers’ locations in Butler County are in Cranberry, Saxonburg, Slippery Rock and two in Butler.