The Iowa Clinic threatens to end UnityPoint partnership

Driving the news: The Iowa Clinic notified UnityPoint on Friday that it intends to terminate all contracts, expiring from February through October 2027, according to an internal email obtained by Axios.

• The notices are intended to push UnityPoint toward negotiations, not necessarily end the relationship, Iowa Clinic spokesperson Susan Metheny tells Axios.

What they're saying: "There are many issues that have gone unaddressed by UnityPoint leadership that have impacted our physicians' ability to care for patients and practice effectively within the hospital environment," Metheny said.

• The Iowa Clinic wants a partnership built on "trust, accountability, operational support, and a shared commitment to patient care."

The other side: UnityPoint was "surprised and disappointed" by the decision to unilaterally end the relationship, spokesperson Mark Tauscheck tells Axios.

• UnityPoint is evaluating the implications but says there are no changes to the care it provides.

Neither organization has publicly specified how many physicians or patients could be affected if the contracts expire.

Context: The organizations are already in a legal fight over the valuation of The Iowa Clinic's ownership stake in Lakeview Surgery Center.

• Metheny says the lawsuit is a separate matter and the termination notices reflect broader problems in the relationship.

What's next: The Iowa Clinic says it is willing to negotiate new terms and hopes to avoid terminating the contracts.

• "We remain hopeful for a resolution to this matter so we can continue to focus on caring for the patients who depend on us," Metheny said.