Presence Health was once the largest Catholic health system in Illinois, providing a wide range of medical services to communities across the state. If you are searching for information about this provider, you may have noticed that many of its facilities now operate under different names.
Understanding the transition of Presence Health is essential for patients looking for medical records, billing information, or specific doctors. This article provides a clear overview of what happened to Presence Health and how you can continue to access the care you need today.
The History of Presence Health
Presence Health was officially formed in November 2011. It was created through the merger of two large Catholic health systems: Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care.
At its peak, the system operated 12 hospitals and more than 27 outpatient facilities. It also managed numerous nursing homes and retirement centers, making it a cornerstone of Illinois healthcare.
The organization was known for its commitment to community-based care and its mission to serve the vulnerable. Its network stretched from Chicago and its suburbs to rural areas in central Illinois.
The Transition to AMITA Health
In 2018, Presence Health joined AMITA Health, which was a joint venture between Ascension and AdventHealth. This move was intended to create a more integrated and efficient healthcare network in the Chicago area.
During this period, many Presence Health hospitals were rebranded under the AMITA Health name. For several years, patients interacted with the system through the AMITA Health portal and branding.
This transition helped modernize the facilities. It also allowed for better sharing of resources and medical expertise across a larger network of providers.
Presence Health Today: Ascension Illinois
In late 2021 and early 2022, AMITA Health announced that its founding partners, Ascension and AdventHealth, would be splitting their joint venture. As a result, most former Presence Health facilities became part of Ascension Illinois.
If you are looking for a hospital that was formerly a Presence Health site, you will likely find it listed today as an Ascension facility. A few specific locations in the downstate region were also acquired by OSF HealthCare.
While the name on the building has changed, many of the same doctors and staff members continue to provide care at these locations. The mission of providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare remains the primary focus.
Major Facilities Formerly Known as Presence Health
To help you find the care you need, it is useful to know the current names of major former Presence Health hospitals. Most are now part of the Ascension Illinois network:
- Presence Saint Joseph Hospital (Chicago): Now Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago.
- Presence Saint Joseph Hospital (Elgin): Now Ascension Saint Joseph – Elgin.
- Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center (Joliet): Now Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet.
- Presence Saint Francis Hospital (Evanston): Now Ascension Saint Francis.
- Presence Resurrection Medical Center (Chicago): Now Ascension Resurrection.
- Presence Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital (Chicago): Now Ascension Saint Mary – Chicago.
- Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (Chicago): Now Ascension Saints Mary and Elizabeth.
- Presence Mercy Medical Center (Aurora): Now Ascension Mercy.
- Presence Saint Mary’s Hospital (Kankakee): Now Ascension Saint Mary – Kankakee.
Additionally, Presence United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville is now part of the OSF HealthCare system. Always check the current provider’s website to confirm the location and services offered.
How to Access Medical Records
One of the most common reasons people search for Presence Health is to find their old medical records. Since the transition to Ascension Illinois, most records have been integrated into a new system.
To access your records, you should use the Ascension Patient Portal. This online tool allows you to view lab results, message your doctor, and request copies of your health history.
If you need records from a period before the merger, you can contact the Health Information Management (HIM) department at the specific hospital where you received care. They can guide you through the process of submitting a formal records request.
Billing and Insurance Information
If you have an older bill from Presence Health or AMITA Health, you may have questions about where to send your payment. Most billing inquiries are now handled through the Ascension Illinois billing department.
It is important to check your latest statement for the correct mailing address or online payment portal URL. Most current bills will direct you to the Ascension website for secure payment processing.
Regarding insurance, Ascension Illinois accepts a wide range of plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and many private commercial insurers. Because networks change, you should always verify that your specific plan is accepted before scheduling an appointment.
Finding a Doctor
If you were a patient of a Presence Health physician, they may still be practicing within the Ascension Illinois network. You can find their current contact information using the “Find a Doctor” tool on the Ascension website.
This tool allows you to search by name, specialty, or location. It also provides information on whether the doctor is currently accepting new patients.
If your previous doctor has retired or moved out of the area, the Ascension network can help match you with a new primary care provider or specialist within the same facility you are used to visiting.
Services and Specialized Care
The facilities that once made up Presence Health continue to offer a full spectrum of medical services. These include emergency care, maternity services, oncology, and cardiovascular health.
Many of these hospitals have earned national recognition for specific specialties. For example, several locations are designated as primary stroke centers or centers of excellence for joint replacement.
By remaining within the Ascension network, these hospitals benefit from a national system of expertise and research. This ensures that patients receive modern treatments based on the latest medical evidence.
Summary of the Change
In short, while the “Presence Health” brand is no longer used, the infrastructure and care network it built are still very active. The transition followed this path: Presence Health merged into AMITA Health, which eventually transitioned into Ascension Illinois.
For patients, this means that while the logos on your statements and the signs on the buildings have changed, your care remains available in the same neighborhoods. Staying informed about these corporate changes helps you navigate the healthcare system more effectively.
If you have further questions about your specific care plan, the best course of action is to contact your local hospital directly. They can provide the most up-to-date information regarding their current services and administrative procedures.
Understanding your healthcare options is the first step toward maintaining your well-being. We hope this guide has clarified the history and current state of Presence Health for you. For more tips on navigating healthcare and finding local services, feel free to explore our other helpful articles on SearchAndHelp.com.