FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Care Physicians Contact: Alexis Musto
Albany Med Health System Contact: Matt Markham
CDPHP Contact: Natalia Burkart
Community Care Physicians, Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP Announce Strategic Collaboration to Enhance Patient Access and Outcomes
Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center Now Open in Wellness Way
Albany, NY — April 2, 2026 — Three of Upstate New York’s leading, community-based health organizations – Community Care Physicians (CCP), Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP – are joining forces to transform the patient experience in the Capital Region. While each organization will maintain its own leadership and governance, this collaboration is designed to ensure patients receive timely, appropriate care and to strengthen access and health outcomes across the region.
CDPHP has long been committed to building a more coordinated, patient-centered health care system in upstate New York – one grounded in strong provider relationships. That work took a significant step forward in 2021 with the historic partnership between CDPHP and CCP – the area’s largest independent, physician-owned and managed multispecialty group. CDPHP and CCP came together under one roof at Wellness Way in 2024, creating a true one-stop destination where patients can see their providers, complete lab work, undergo diagnostic screenings and treatment, pick up prescriptions, meet with CDPHP representatives, and much more.
Now, by collaborating more closely with Albany Med Health System – the region’s only academic health system – CDPHP and CCP take the next important step in strengthening coordination across physician practices, hospitals, and health plans, all while preserving patient choice.
Strategic Priorities of the Collaboration
- Ensuring patients receive care at the highest quality, most cost-effective locations.
- An improved patient referral process from CCP to complementary Albany Med Health System services.
- Improved communication and information sharing among CDPHP and clinicians to improve overall patient care.
Introducing The Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center at Wellness Way
As part of this strategic collaboration, Albany Med Health System has opened the Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center in Suite 113 at Wellness Way. The new practice will expand Albany Med’s highly regarded rheumatology division and specialty resources into Latham. In addition, Albany Med’s rheumatology fellowship program will provide a strong pipeline of future specialists to support the growing needs of our community. The opening of this new office ensures comprehensive access to high-quality rheumatology care for both existing and new patients.
“This strategic and innovative arrangement between three local health care entities with deep roots in the communities we serve represents a significant step forward in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, Executive Vice President, Chief Healthcare Services Officer, CDPHP. “By leveraging the strengths of CDPHP, CCP, and Albany Med Health System, we are creating a better-connected health care system that puts patients first.”
“The patient–provider relationship is at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Ronald Musto, Chief Executive Officer of Community Care Physicians. “This collaboration strengthens that relationship by improving communication – without faxing, chasing records, or relying on patients to carry information between providers – and access when care is needed beyond CCP, such as at the new Albany Med Rheumatology & Infusion Center. This will enable patients to receive coordinated, high-quality care from local, trusted partners, creating a better experience for our community.”
“The Albany Med Health System, CDPHP, and CCP each has a very strong commitment to providing high-quality care to our communities,” said Daniel T. Pickett III, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “Coming together serves as an example of how strong partnerships transform care in ways that ensure seamless, patient-centered, affordable access with a commitment to strive for the best possible outcomes.”
CCP, Albany Med Health System, and CDPHP aim to build a model of care that prioritizes the nuanced needs of patients throughout the Capital Region, resulting in better health outcomes for all.
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About Community Care Physicians
Community Care Physicians (CCP), headquartered in the Capital Region of New York State, is the first and largest independent, physician-led multispecialty medical group, with more than 70 practice locations serving patients across Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Warren counties. Today, CCP cares for one out of every three to four people in the area. For more than 40 years, CCP has delivered high-quality, patient-centered ambulatory care that is accessible, convenient, and innovative. As a locally owned, independent medical group, CCP offers a coordinated, community-based approach to primary and specialty care, with more than 420 providers in more than 30 medical specialties. CCP is recognized both locally and nationally for its commitment to clinical excellence and exceptional employee experience. The organization welcomes new patients and participates with most major health insurance plans. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and online at www.communitycare.com.
About Albany Med Health System
Albany Med Health System is the largest not-for-profit and only academic health system serving northeastern New York and western New England. It includes Albany Medical Center, Albany Medical College, Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, and the Albany Med Health System Visiting Nurses. The System is the region’s largest private employer, and each member institution carries a century-long tradition caring for our communities. Albany Med Health System has 1,520 hospital beds, more than 900 physicians, 125 outpatient locations, and the region’s only medical college, Level 1 trauma center, and children’s hospital. Patients turn to the System for care more than 3 million times each year.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 29 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.