Banner closes former First-Care clinic in Fort Collins

FORT COLLINS — Banner Medical Group’s acquisition of First-Care Physicians LLC in April has led to some changes to integrate operations — including the closure of a First-Care clinic in Fort Collins.

Exterior signs with the clinic’s new name have been posted at the former First-Care clinic at 295 E. 29th St. in Loveland, Banner officials said. The Fort Collins location at 2160 W. Drake Road has closed, and patients have the choice of establishing care at the Banner Health Center at 702-A W. Drake Road or following their existing family-medicine physician to the Loveland office, located in the Orchards Shopping Center.

In the wake of the acquisition and closure, all but two employees transitioned to other Banner facilities, said Paul Matthews, a Banner spokesman.

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First-Care established its Loveland practice in 1982 and expanded to Fort Collins in 1989. The practice includes three physicians, three physician assistants and some staff members. The doctors own the building in Loveland, and Banner Medical Group will lease clinic space from them.

“We have enjoyed a close relationship with McKee Medical Center dating back to our founding,” said Dr. Thomas Allen, one of the physicians formerly with First-Care. “The economics of operating an independent practice are much different today than they used to be. By joining Banner Medical Group, we can now place our focus solely on patient care while Banner takes care of the business side. This is a great move for us, and we are excited to be part of Banner Health.”

Banner Medical Group is Phoenix-based Banner Health’s physicians group.

Financial terms of the deal finalized April 27 were not disclosed.