Virtua acquired Barrington-based Rehab Connection Wednesday in a move which will help South Jersey’s largest health system expand its rehabilitation capabilities.
The move increases the Marlton-based system’s total number of rehabilitation facilities to 17. The facilities are now known as Virtua Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rehab Connection operates six outpatient clinics in Barrington, Berlin, Cherry Hill, Cinnaminson, Lumberton and West Deptford. The newly acquired facilities average 2,800 patient-visits a month.
The sites, which provide therapy in more than 20 South Jersey area schools, join existing Virtua rehabilitation offices across Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.
Maria Franchio, Virtua’s assistant vice president of rehabilitation services, welcomed the acquisition.
“We’re delighted to welcome Rehab Connection, their patients and employees to the Virtua family,” she said. “We already have much in common, including a culture of putting our patients’ wellbeing first, and a commitment to following best practices in all we do.”
The three owners of Rehab Connection — all doctorate-degreed physical therapists — and their staff will continue as members of the Virtua team.
Michele Warren, who co owns Rehab Connection with Amy Knecht and Tom Bianco, said the connection makes sense.
“Virtua is committed to providing an outstanding experience to every patient, just as we are,” she said. “By joining Virtua, we will be able to provide more people with access to Virtua’s extensive resources and make an even greater difference in our patients’ lives.”
The acquisition will enable Virtua to better meet the needs of its patients, too, Franchio said.
“The new locations will provide better access and shorter wait times,” she said. “More of our patients will be able to stay within the Virtua system for their rehab, which will enhance the continuity of their care.”
Franchio said the acquisition will allow both Virtua and the former Rehab Connection to provide a wider array of services.
For instance, Virtua will now offer physical and occupational therapy in area schools through Rehab Connection’s school contract program. The former Rehab Connection outpatient clinics will be able to offer occupational and speech/language therapy through Virtua’s capabilities.
In addition, patients will have a connection to Virtua’s other rehabilitation services, including long-term care, home care, and the Virtua Pediatric Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers.
