A partnership between the University of Michigan Health-West and Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan will develop a new state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center focused on orthopedic care.

The Board of Regents approved the partnership at its June 12 regular meeting. As part of the collaboration, the Regents also approved the sale of property at 1900 and 1980 Metro Court SW in Wyoming, Michigan, to an OAM-affiliated entity for $5.99 million.

The new venture positions UM Health-West and OAM to meet growing demand for outpatient orthopedic procedures by relocating and expanding OAM’s surgical operations. The future facility, to be developed on the UM Health-West Village property in 2027, will provide convenient, lower-cost surgical options while ensuring continuity of care for UM Health-West patients.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to transforming how care is delivered,” said Margaret Dimond, president of U-M Health Regional Network. “By bringing together the strengths of OAM and UM Health-West, we are improving access to high-quality orthopedic services and delivering better value for our patients.”

The newly formed ambulatory surgery center company will be established through a joint venture, building on longstanding collaborations between UM Health-West and OAM to meet the orthopedic and sports medicine needs of patients in west Michigan. The company will be jointly governed by representatives from both organizations. UM Health-West will hold a minority ownership interest once the center is operational. 

“Our shared vision is rooted in providing patients with timely, expert orthopedic care in the most appropriate setting,” said Kenneth Easton, president of Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan. “This partnership allows us to expand access while maintaining the high standards of quality, safety, and service our patients and referring providers expect.”

The Regents’ approval allows UM Health-West to proceed with finalizing investment and operating agreements, as well as complete the sale of the 8.9-acre Wyoming property, which includes a 30,767-square-foot office building constructed in 2008.

“Orthopedic surgeries continue to move to outpatient settings, and this joint venture ensures we’re leading that shift locally,” said Ronald Grifka, president of UM Health-West. “It’s an opportunity to deliver expert care in a modern facility designed with patient convenience and safety in mind.”