PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Pediatrics Associates has joined the Community Health Programs health network as of Aug. 1, the latest private medical practice in the Berkshires to merge with the federally qualified health center organization.

 

With the BPA merger, 12,000 new patients and 33 new employees will bring significant growth to the CHP health network, while CHP will bring administrative efficiencies and resources to the pediatric group.

 

CHP Berkshire Pediatrics, as it will now be known, will remain in its present location at 777 North St. The Pittsfield practice includes Drs. Jacqueline Jones, Eimear O'Loughlin, Gary Shalan and Betsy Valade, and pediatric nurse practitioners Kelsey Holland and Brenda Landes.

 

"We are so pleased to welcome this well-respected pediatric team into the CHP family," said Lia Spiliotes, chief executive officer of CHP. "Not only will we be able to support the BPA practice, but this alliance dramatically improves the CHP scope of care we offer in Pittsfield. 

 

"In addition, the practice will bring more diverse revenue sources from patients with traditional insurance. This revenue helps us remain true to our promise of providing health care to all, regardless of insurance status."

 

According to BPA's senior physician, Dr. Gary Shalan, "The practice of pediatrics and medicine in general is not as simple as it once was. The health challenges our patients face, along with prevention and treatment, and the finances behind this work have become increasingly complex."

 

"We are excited to be joining a large, established organization with greater resources and a broader professional networking platform," he continued. "As part of an FQHC, we can sustain and even improve our efforts to provide the highest quality of care to patients and their families — without regard to insurance coverage or ability to pay."

 

In Pittsfield, CHP operates the Neighborhood Health Center, an adult primary care practice, and Neighborhood Dental Center, which provides dental care for adults and children.

 

Since late 2015, several private medical practices have moved under the CHP administrative umbrella, substantially expanding CHP's impact on patient care and employment in the Berkshires. CHP now has primary care and dental practice sites in Great Barrington, Lee, Pittsfield, Adams and North Adams, as well as its Family Services program in Great Barrington.

 

CHP Berkshire Pediatric Associates is located at 777 North St., and can be reached at 413-499-3985.