UC San Diego Health and Rancho Family Medical Group (RFMG) have officially announced a strategic affiliation, set to elevate the quality of healthcare services for patients residing in Southwest Riverside County. This exclusive partnership brings together the established local expertise of Rancho Family Medical Group with the nationally recognized excellence of UC San Diego Health, a leading academic medical system.
“Rancho Family Medical Group and UC San Diego Health share a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. This strategic affiliation marks a significant advancement in the medical services available to our community,” stated Walter Combs, MD, chairman of Rancho Family Medical Group.
This affiliation allows Rancho Family Medical Group to enhance its already strong local healthcare services by incorporating the extensive knowledge and resources of UC San Diego Health, consistently ranked among the nation’s best medical systems.
“Patients today seek healthcare that is both personalized and conveniently accessible within their own communities, while also expecting the high standards of quality associated with renowned academic health systems,” explained Josh Snow, CEO of Rancho Family Medical Group. “Our collaboration with UC San Diego Health perfectly balances these needs, integrating local, patient-centered care with the superior quality of an academic medical center. This affiliation underscores our continuous commitment to providing the best possible care to our patients where they live and work.”
The primary objective of this partnership between UC San Diego Health and Rancho Family Medical Group is to raise the bar for primary care in the region and establish a more extensive, efficient, and clinically integrated healthcare network. Rancho Family Medical Group will maintain its operational independence but will collaborate closely with the UC San Diego Health Physician Network (UCSDHPN) as the primary care hub for the Southwest Riverside Network.
“Our shared vision is to ensure that Rancho Family Medical Group patients and local residents have access to top-tier healthcare services locally, while also benefiting from the advanced expertise and resources of an academic health system known for its excellence in treating complex medical conditions, often through innovative therapies and discoveries,” said Patty Maysent, CEO, UC San Diego Health.
Rancho Family Medical Group will continue its collaborations with local specialists to ensure comprehensive patient care. However, when necessary, patients of Rancho Family Medical Group will now have streamlined access to tertiary and quaternary care services offered by UC San Diego Health. These advanced services include highly specialized diagnostic imaging, surgical, oncologic, neurologic, and cardiac care, as well as participation in clinical trials, typically found within leading academic health centers. Furthermore, as an Accountable Care Organization, this affiliation will enhance the coordination of care for Medicare patients between UC San Diego Health and Rancho Family Medical Group, ensuring a seamless healthcare experience.
Through a jointly developed strategic plan, Rancho Family Medical Group and UC San Diego Health will focus on physician recruitment, the creation of tailored clinical programs to meet the specific needs of the local patient population, and the integration of information technologies and care pathways. These initiatives aim to improve patient outcomes, refine practice protocols, and enhance overall patient satisfaction. Additionally, healthcare providers at Rancho Family Medical Group will be offered faculty positions with UC San Diego Health, allowing them to participate in the education and training of medical residents from the UC San Diego School of Medicine, further solidifying the academic integration of this partnership.
UCSDHPN encompasses a network of regional healthcare providers, including UC San Diego Health physicians and faculty, community hospitals, medical groups, and individual physicians across San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties. Affiliates within UCSDHPN work collaboratively to develop systems, infrastructure, care pathways, and quality improvement initiatives that deliver exceptional healthcare and value to patients, health plans, and employers throughout the region.
Rancho Family Medical Group has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Southwest Riverside County since its establishment in 1942, making it the oldest family practice group in Temecula Valley. In recent years, Rancho Family Medical Group has experienced substantial growth, expanding its reach from Fallbrook to Hemet, now operating eight clinics with over 30 primary care providers. All Rancho Family Medical Group providers are board-certified in family practice or internal medicine, with many holding staff positions in local hospitals, reinforcing their commitment to community health.
UC San Diego Health has consistently achieved top rankings in San Diego by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals, demonstrating national recognition for clinical excellence across eight specialties. It comprises UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest, Jacobs Medical Center, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, Shiley Eye Institute, and Moores Cancer Center in La Jolla, along with a network of primary and specialty practices throughout Southern California, making it a comprehensive healthcare system committed to serving a broad region.
