Citing duplication of services, the MetroHealth System, based in Cleveland, is closing six outpatient offices this autumn as the next phase of its budget stabilization plan.
MetroHealth will close the sites effective Friday, Oct. 3, and said that many of the services and employees from these smaller sites will move to larger locations within the system.
MetroHealth is notifying patients if their providers or appointments are moving to a different location.
The sites being closed are Broadview Heights Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, the Dental Clinic at Old Brooklyn Medical Center, Medina Health Center, Rocky River Medical Offices, State Road Family Practice in North Royalton, and Westlake Physical Therapy at the West Shore Family YMCA.
"Our patients and community are at the heart of every decision we make," said MetroHealth President and CEO Dr. Christine Alexander. "While closing these locations is not easy, it's a necessary step to ensure we can provide compassionate care in the most efficient way."
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
Over the last decade, MetroHealth expanded its service area to provide care in more communities. Over time, that expanded footprint resulted in duplication of services and operational inefficiencies, officials said.
The closures are meant to streamline operations and increase access to care by providing more services in a single location, while offering expanded hours of operation. MetroHealth also offers same-day virtual urgent and primary care services online.
The health system also cited "an unprecedented and unexpected surge" in the cost of care it delivers to uninsured patients. MetroHealth's charity care costs have doubled since 2022 and now exceed $1 million a day, the system said.
MetroHealth Board of Trustees Chair Dr. E. Harry Walker said leadership has the board's full support.
"Given the unprecedented cost of charity care and the financial pressures affecting the healthcare industry, MetroHealth faces uncertainty about future funding for its core mission," said Walker. “The board of trustees supports the system's leadership and knows it is imperative to act now so that we can protect our ability to care for our patients."
THE LARGER TREND
In July, MetroHealth reduced its workforce by about 125 employees, mainly in administrative positions, ranging from senior leaders to entry-level hires. At the time, Alexander said she was working with senior leaders to assess all aspects of MetroHealth's financial health and care delivery.
In addition to its main campus, MetroHealth provides care at more than 20 community locations, putting 97% of Cuyahoga County residents within a 10-minute drive of a MetroHealth facility. In early 2026, MetroHealth will open an outpatient health center on its main campus, which will feature a 24/7 drive-through pharmacy.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
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