Virtua Acquires Rehab Connection

On Aug 1, 2018

South Jersey’s largest health system is expanding its rehabilitation capabilities with a major acquistion. Virtua has acquired Rehab Connection, which operates six outpatient clinics and provides therapy in more than 20 area schools, effective August 1. The purchase brings Virtua’s total number of rehabilitation facilities to 17 – more than any other South Jersey health system.

The facilities are now known as Virtua Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation. The newly acquired sites are in Barrington, Berlin, Cherry Hill, Cinnaminson, Lumberton, and West Deptford. They join existing Virtua rehabilitation offices across Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties. (See the full list below.)

The three owners of Barrington-based Rehab Connection and their staff will continue as members of the Virtua team. The newly acquired facilities average 2,800 patient-visits a month.

“We’re delighted to welcome Rehab Connection, their patients and employees to the Virtua family,” said Maria Franchio, Virtua’s assistant vice president of Rehabilitation Services.

“We already have much in common, including a culture of putting our patients’ wellbeing first, and a commitment to following best practices in all we do.”

Rehab Connection’s owners – all doctorate-degreed physical therapists – expressed similar sentiments.

“Virtua is committed to providing an outstanding experience to every patient, just as we are,” said Michele Warren, a Rehab Connection co-owner alongside Amy Knecht and Tom Bianco.

“By joining Virtua, we will be able to provide more people with access to Virtua’s extensive resources, and make an even greater difference in our patients’ lives.”

The acquisition will enable Virtua to better meet the needs of its patients, too, noted Franchio of the nonprofit, Marlton-based health system.

“The new locations will provide better access and shorter wait times,” she said. “More of our patients will be able to stay within the Virtua system for their rehab, which will enhance the continuity of their care.”

The former Rehab Connection facilities “will continue to be your neighborhood and family physical therapy with no change in operating hours and the same staff,” added Warren, who co-founded the organization with Knecht in 1993.

The acquisition will allow both Virtua and the former Rehab Connection to provide a wider array of services. For instance, Virtua will now offer physical and occupational therapy in area schools through Rehab Connection’s school contract program. The former Rehab Connection outpatient clinics will be able to offer occupational and speech/language therapy through Virtua’s capabilities.

In addition, patients will have a connection to Virtua’s other rehabilitation services, including long-term care, home care, and the Virtua Pediatric Early Intervention Program for infants and toddlers.

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