The Iowa Clinic notified UnityPoint on Friday of its intent to terminate all contracts expiring between February and October 2027, according to an internal email.
While the notices signal an end to the agreements, Iowa Clinic spokesperson Susan Metheny told Axios the move is intended to push UnityPoint toward negotiations rather than necessarily ending the relationship. Metheny stated that the clinic is seeking a partnership based on “trust, accountability, operational support, and a shared commitment to patient care.”
Disputes over Hospital Operations
The Iowa Clinic claims that UnityPoint leadership has failed to address various issues that have hindered the ability of physicians to practice effectively in the hospital environment and provide patient care. Metheny noted that these termination notices are a result of broad problems within the relationship.
Iowa Clinic to end contracts with 30-year partner UnityPoint in 2027 https://t.co/Mwq0pe6I4u
UnityPoint spokesperson Mark Tauscheck said the organization was “surprised and disappointed” by the unilateral decision to end the relationship. While UnityPoint is currently evaluating the implications of the move, Tauscheck stated there are no changes to the care being provided.
Legal dispute threatens patient care
The two organizations are currently engaged in a legal dispute regarding the valuation of The Iowa Clinic’s ownership stake in Lakeview Surgery Center. Metheny asserted that this lawsuit is a separate matter from the contract termination notices.
Neither organization has disclosed the specific number of patients or physicians who would be affected if the contracts are ultimately terminated. The Iowa Clinic says it remains open to negotiating new terms to avoid that outcome, with Metheny stating, “We remain hopeful for a resolution to this matter so we can continue to focus on caring for the patients who depend on us.”
