Sept. 20, 2023

Sioux Falls-based Avel eCare is growing its telemedicine services with the acquisition of a Texas-based virtual hospitalist provider.

Fident Health adds 12 hospitals and 170 long-term care facilities, meaning Avel now will serve more than 220 senior care facilities and more than 350 hospitals — a combination of community, regional and critical care hospitals.

“Providers across the country are experiencing staffing shortages and burnout among clinicians, which ultimately impacts patient care. The problem is particularly acute in rural America where patients are already feeling the impact of the crisis,” Doug Duskin, CEO of Avel eCare, said in a statement. “Fident Health is uniquely positioned to address those needs with its highly experienced team of virtual clinicians. Together, we can expand telemedicine support as we work to address health equity and ensure quality care is accessible to all.”

Fident adds 32 providers to the Avel team, which now has more than 430 people.

The deal brings 29 percent growth in clinical customer facilities and 25 percent growth in Avel’s provider network.

“Avel eCare was one of the first telemedicine care providers to offer clinician-to-clinician services and remains a leading player in the industry,” said Dr. Denise Brown, CEO of Fident Health. “We’re proud to join forces and build on their ongoing success. Our experienced clinical team and customizable approach will not only enhance Avel eCare’s capabilities and accelerate nationwide growth but also aid the development of future solutions that help meet the evolving needs of providers across the entire continuum of care.”

Avel eCare offers 10 service lines, collaborating with bedside teams to provide additional care for patients. It started as Avera eCare through Avera Health in 1993 and was acquired in 2021 by New York-based Aquiline Capital Partners and rebranded.

Earlier this year, Avel eCare announced the acquisition of NightWatch, a provider of remote pharmacy services to hospitals, clinics and nursing homes throughout the Midwest and mid-Atlantic region.