Iowa-based home-health providers merge

HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa (VNS of Iowa) have announced they will merge to form a larger, unified nonprofit organization. HCI Care Services, formerly Hospice of Central Iowa, serves people with serious illnesses while VNS of Iowa provides health-care, education and human services to at-risk children, families and adults. “By joining forces to operate as a larger organization, we will be well-positioned for long-term stability and strength in the face of current economic realities and cuts to Medicare reimbursement,” said David Discher, interim president and CEO for VNS of Iowa. The new organization, HCI Care Services/VNS of Iowa, will serve individuals and their families in 39 Iowa counties, with a staff of 469 employees. No immediate staff reductions are planned, a spokeswoman said. Beginning in January, Norene Mostkoff, president and CEO of HCI Care Services, will oversee the combined organization.

HCI Care Services and Visiting Nurse Services of Iowa (VNS of Iowa) have announced they will merge to form a larger, unified nonprofit organization. HCI Care Services, formerly Hospice of Central Iowa, serves people with serious illnesses while VNS of Iowa provides health-care, education and human services to at-risk children, families and adults. “By joining forces to operate as a larger organization, we will be well-positioned for long-term stability and strength in the face of current economic realities and cuts to Medicare reimbursement,” said David Discher, interim president and CEO for VNS of Iowa. The new organization, HCI Care Services/VNS of Iowa, will serve individuals and their families in 39 Iowa counties, with a staff of 469 employees. No immediate staff reductions are planned, a spokeswoman said. Beginning in January, Norene Mostkoff, president and CEO of HCI Care Services, will oversee the combined organization.