Community Care Physicians, Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP Announce Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Patient Access and Outcomes

Albany Med Also Opens Rheumatology & Infusion Center at Wellness Way

Three of Upstate New York’s leading, community-based health organizations – Community Care Physicians (CCP), Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP – are joining forces to transform the patient experience in the Capital Region. While each organization will maintain its own leadership and governance, this collaboration is designed to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care and to strengthen access and health outcomes across the region.

CDPHP has long been committed to building a more coordinated, patient-centered health care system in upstate New York – one grounded in strong provider relationships. That work took a significant step forward in 2021 with the historic partnership between CDPHP and CCP – the area’s largest independent, physician-owned and managed multispecialty group. CDPHP and CCP came together under one roof at Wellness Way in 2024, creating a true one-stop destination where patients can see their providers, complete lab work, undergo diagnostic screenings and treatment, pick up prescriptions, meet with CDPHP representatives, and much more.

Now, by collaborating more closely with Albany Med Health System – the region’s only academic health system – CDPHP and CCP take the next important step in strengthening coordination across physician practices, hospitals, and health plans, all while preserving patient choice.

Strategic Priorities of the Collaboration
• Ensuring patients receive care at the highest quality, most cost-effective locations.
• An improved patient referral process from CCP to complementary Albany Med Health System services.
• Improved communication and information sharing among CDPHP and clinicians to improve overall patient care.

Introducing The Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center at Wellness Way

As part of this strategic collaboration, Albany Med Health System has opened the Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center in Suite 113 at Wellness Way. The new practice will expand Albany Med’s highly regarded rheumatology division and specialty resources into Latham. In addition, Albany Med’s rheumatology fellowship program will provide a strong pipeline of future specialists to support the growing needs of our community. The opening of this new office ensures comprehensive access to high-quality rheumatology care for both existing and new patients.

“This strategic and innovative arrangement between three local health care entities with deep roots in the communities we serve represents a significant step forward in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, Executive Vice President, Chief Healthcare Services Officer, CDPHP. “By leveraging the strengths of CDPHP, CCP, and Albany Med Health System, we are creating a better-connected health care system that puts patients first.”

“The patient–provider relationship is at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Ronald Musto, Chief Executive Officer of Community Care Physicians. “This collaboration strengthens that relationship by improving communication – without faxing, chasing records, or relying on patients to carry information between providers – and access when care is needed beyond CCP, such as at the new Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center. This will enable patients to receive coordinated, high-quality care from local, trusted partners, creating a better experience for our community.”

“The Albany Med Health System, CDPHP, and CCP each has a very strong commitment to providing high-quality care to our communities,” said Daniel T. Pickett III, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “Coming together serves as an example of how strong partnerships transform care in ways that ensure seamless, patient-centered, affordable access with a commitment to strive for the best possible outcomes.”

CCP, Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP aim to build a model of care that prioritizes the nuanced needs of patients throughout the Capital Region, resulting in better health outcomes for all.