Attorney General Reviews Possible Merger Of CentraCare, St. Cloud Medical Group

ST. PAUL (AP) - The Minnesota attorney general has launched an antitrust review of a possible merger between two large primary care providers in the St. Cloud area.

CentraCare officials have said they have been pursuing a potential acquisition of St. Cloud Medical Group, with the goal of improving the quality of patient care.

Attorney General Lori Swanson says the review is looking at the possible adverse impact of competition in the primary care market in central Minnesota.

CentraCare is one of the 10 largest operators of hospitals and clinics in the state, with more than 260 physicians and 85 advanced practice providers.

St. Cloud Medical Group has about 60 providers. It says the integration makes sense since CentraCare operates the only hospital in St. Cloud.