Breckenridge Medical Back in Business

It was business as usual again at Breckenridge Medical Center Friday afternoon after an agreement was reached between the Vail Valley Emergency Physicians and the clinic’s managing partner, Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC).

Medical care had been unavailable at the clinic since Wednesday evening, when the physician group contract with the facility expired.

Although nurses continued to provide first aid to walk-in patients on Thursday and physicians were present at the clinic in case of emergency, ambulances were diverted and patients with appointments were redirected to the Keystone Medical Center.

VVMC public relations director Scott Boie declined to give details of the new contract, but emphasized his hospital’s commitment to maintaining services without interruption.

“This will keep the clinic open until ownership issues are resolved,” he said.

A joint venture of VVMC and Denver-based HealthOne since 1992, the future of Breckenridge Medical Center remains uncertain, as both HealthOne and Centura Health, parent company of St. Anthony Summit Medical Center, have expressed interest in buying VVMC’s share of the operation.