Two of Akron's largest cardiology groups say that improving efficiency and patients' access to care are at the heart of their upcoming merger.

Effective January 1, 2007, The Heart Group and Akron Cardiology Consultants are joining to form Northeast Ohio Cardiovascular Specialists (NEOCS).

The new practice will have 32 cardiologists and 260 clinical and clerical staff in seven locations: Akron City Hospital, Akron General Medical Center; Cedar Pine office in Akron; Barberton; Ravenna; Wadsworth; and Wooster. The combined group will serve more than 150,000 patients in Summit, Portage, Medina, and Wayne counties.

The existing offices for each practice will remain open, and patients can continue seeing the same doctors. "By working together rather than competing, the doctors can pool their talents so patients ultimately get better access to specialists, including cardiologists with expertise in testing, prevention, women's health or opening arteries. Creating a bigger practice that allows doctors to focus on an area of expertise should help recruit more cardiologists to town." said Dr. Michael Hughes, president of The Heart Group, and Co-chair of NEOCS. "After the merger, the group will be able to give our patients the best opportunity to see the most qualified cardiologist", said Dr. William Bauman, Co-chair for NEOCS.

NEOCS cardiologists will continue to see patients at Akron General, Akron City, St. Thomas, Cuyahoga Falls General, Barberton Citizens, Robinson Memorial, Wadsworth-Rittman, and Wooster Hospitals.