What’s Going On with Cayuga Medical and Centralus Health? A Community Update

From Cenralushealth.org

If you’ve been hearing about “Centralus Health” and wondering what that means for Cayuga Medical Center and local healthcare in general, you’re not alone. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and what it means for you and your family.

A Quick Recap: What Is Cayuga Medical Center?

Cayuga Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital in Ithaca that’s been serving the region for decades. In 1996, it became what we know today—Cayuga Medical Center—and later joined forces with Schuyler Hospital to form the Cayuga Health System, a network focused on delivering community-based healthcare in the Finger Lakes region.

Introducing Centralus Health: A New Era in Regional Healthcare

In January 2025, Cayuga Health and Arnot Health (which operates hospitals in Elmira and Bath) officially merged under a new parent organization: Centralus Health.

This merger brings together five hospitals, thousands of healthcare workers, and services across nine counties in Central New York and the Southern Tier. The combined system now supports:

• 6,500+ employees

• Over $1 billion in annual services

• A broader range of care options, from cancer and cardiac treatment to behavioral health and neonatal intensive care

Why the Merger Happened

This partnership wasn’t just about getting bigger—it was about getting stronger. Here’s why they came together:

✅ Shared Resources: By pooling their administrative, staffing, and operational efforts, both systems can better handle challenges like rising costs and staffing shortages.

✅ Better Access to Care: The merger expands specialty services across rural and underserved areas. Patients in Tompkins, Chemung, and surrounding counties will have easier access to a wider range of treatments and specialists.

✅ Technology Upgrades: A major change coming in March 2025 is the rollout of the EPIC electronic health records system across the entire Centralus network. That means better record-keeping, improved coordination, and a new MyChart patient portal that allows you to access your health info, schedule appointments, and message your provider online.

What’s Changing for Patients?

The good news: not much—at least for now.

• Cayuga Medical Center, Schuyler Hospital, and Arnot’s facilities will keep running as usual under their current names.

• There’s no interruption to services, and your insurance coverage and providers remain the same.

• The name “Centralus Health” refers to the parent organization, not a new hospital or clinic.

Who’s Leading the Charge?

• Dr. Martin Stallone, who has been leading Cayuga Health, is now CEO of Centralus Health.

• Jonathan Lawrence, previously CEO of Arnot Health, is serving as Executive VP.

Together, they’re steering this new system toward long-term sustainability and better outcomes for patients in our region.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re visiting your primary care doctor, scheduling surgery at Cayuga Medical, or taking your child to urgent care—you’ll still receive the same local care you trust. The goal of Centralus Health is to make that care even more effective, accessible, and connected across the region.

If you use the current patient portal, expect updates in the spring as the MyChart system goes live. You’ll be able to track your medical history, test results, prescriptions, and appointments in one easy place.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a merger—it’s a long-term investment in the future of healthcare in Ithaca and beyond. With the creation of Centralus Health, our local hospitals are building a stronger, more unified network that can better meet the needs of our communities.

As updates roll out—especially with the new MyChart portal—we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, know that your care team isn’t going anywhere, and your local hospital remains at the heart of this evolving system.