ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Today, Rockford Orthopedic Associates and Crystal Lake
Orthopedics, two specialty health care organizations in the region, announced their intent to merge and
have entered into a due diligence process. Following the completion of the merger in the fall of 2013, the
organizations will utilize their combined resources to expand their sub-specialty services offered to
patients.

The merger allows each clinic to continue to serve their patients and strengthen their overall delivery of
care, which includes recruiting staff and physicians, improving technology and enhancing customer
service. It will also help the organizations expand sub-specialty services to residents in the entire northern
Illinois region.

“I’m excited for what this opportunity means for the current and potential patients of Rockford Orthopedic
Associates and Crystal Lake Orthopedics. Each clinic is a state-of-the-art facility with experienced and
highly-skilled physicians. By merging to create a larger and fully-integrated organization, patients are
going to see a new level of comprehensive care that allows them to have specialized medical needs met
without having to travel out of their own area,” said Don Schreiner, CEO of Rockford Orthopedic
Associates.

“Crystal Lake Orthopedics’ patients will benefit from the expanded sub-specialty services of spine,
pediatric orthopedics and hip arthroscopy as the clinic will be able to recruit or rotate those sub-specialties
to the Crystal Lake region. The merger will elevate the service offerings and provide Crystal Lake patients
with additional sub-specialty services at a facility close to home,” said Ed Grogg, CEO of Crystal Lake
Orthopedics.

After the merger is finalized, Grogg will continue in a leadership role as the new Chief Operating Officer
and will maintain his office in Crystal Lake to provide oversight of daily operations.

While Crystal Lake Orthopedics will be merged into Rockford Orthopedic Associates, the clinic name will
not change. Current providers will also remain in Crystal Lake so there will be no disruption in patient
care. The physicians at Crystal Lake Orthopedics will also maintain their current hospital privilege
designation and call coverage.

“Each practice and its physicians will continue to have strong relationships with surrounding hospitals and
health systems to provide comprehensive full-service care to patients,” said Schreiner.

Crystal Lake Orthopedics and Rockford Orthopedic Associates met with leaders from Centegra Health
System in McHenry County to provide insight on the organizations’ intent to merge.

"As our region continues to grow and our population lives longer, more residents need convenient access
to orthopedic care. Specialized orthopedic treatments allow them to live the active lifestyle they desire,”
said Centegra Health System CEO Michael Eesley.