Kaiser Permanente and CommonSpirit strengthen care alliance in Colorado
Kaiser Permanente and CommonSpirit Health have entered a new long-term agreement to deepen their collaboration in Colorado. The goal is straightforward: make it easier for Kaiser Permanente members to get care by expanding access to a wider range of services and facilities across Metro Denver and surrounding communities.
Bringing teams together for easier access
This partnership is designed for convenience. Kaiser Permanente physicians and support staff will work within CommonSpirit Health hospitals, creating a connected experience so members can get high-quality care closer to home without unnecessary handoffs.
Kaiser Permanente is a nonprofit health system known for integrating care and coverage. Its connected model brings primary and specialty care together and links members to a broad network of external providers and hospitals when needed.
Who CommonSpirit serves across the Mountain Region
CommonSpirit Health, also a nonprofit, is focused on patient care across the Mountain Region. It includes over 20 hospitals and more than 240 care sites, supported by a team of more than 16,000 employees and about 5,300 physicians and advanced practice clinicians serving local communities.
Mike Ramseier, regional president of Kaiser Permanente, put it simply: “We are proud of our commitment to the people of Colorado for over 55 years. This partnership is about expanding access to superior healthcare facilities and ensuring we meet the needs of our members far into the future.”
Where members can go for hospital and emergency care
Beginning in early 2025, Kaiser Permanente members will be able to use several CommonSpirit hospitals for inpatient and emergency services. Key facilities include:
- St. Anthony Hospital — In Lakewood, this full-service acute care hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and a Comprehensive Stroke Center. It holds a CMS 5-Star Safety Rating and Magnet designation for nursing excellence.
- St. Anthony North Hospital — In Westminster, the hospital has a Leapfrog “A” for patient safety, plus a new 30,000-square-foot cancer center and an updated surgical unit.
- OrthoColorado Hospital — The Rocky Mountain Region’s only hospital dedicated to orthopedic and spine care, located on the St. Anthony Hospital campus.
- Longmont United Hospital — Serving Longmont and nearby communities for more than 60 years, with a Leapfrog “A” for patient safety.
At this initial stage, Kaiser Permanente won’t integrate its medical staff for inpatient care at Longmont United Hospital. The focus now is on elevating care at the other facilities listed above.
More than access: how the organizations will work together
Andrew Gaasch, CommonSpirit’s Mountain Region president, emphasized the long view: the organizations are building a durable partnership centered on excellent patient care and healing close to home. Convenience matters, but so does consistent, reliable service.
Dr. Jeff Krawcek, executive medical director and president of Colorado Permanente Medical Group, noted that Kaiser Permanente evaluates community partnerships carefully to strengthen care delivery—reaffirming its commitment to reliable, high-quality access for members.
New medical offices on the way
Beyond the hospital collaboration, Kaiser Permanente is investing in new, modern medical offices in Lakewood, Parker, and Pueblo. These sites are meant to bring care closer to where members live and work while improving the overall experience.
A shared mission rooted in Colorado
This agreement reflects both organizations’ commitment to high-quality, affordable care for Colorado. Kaiser Permanente has served the state since 1969. CommonSpirit’s roots in compassionate care date to 1882, beginning with Catholic Sisters focused on patients’ well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this partnership change for Kaiser Permanente members?
It expands access. Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff will practice within CommonSpirit hospitals, making it easier for members to get inpatient and emergency care at select facilities in Metro Denver and nearby areas.
When will members be able to use these hospitals?
Access to CommonSpirit hospitals for Kaiser Permanente members is expected to begin in early 2025.
Which hospitals are included?
Facilities listed include St. Anthony Hospital, St. Anthony North Hospital, OrthoColorado Hospital, and Longmont United Hospital.
Is Kaiser Permanente integrating staff at Longmont United Hospital right away?
No. At this initial phase, Kaiser Permanente isn’t integrating its medical staff for inpatient care at Longmont United Hospital, while focusing on the other included facilities.
How does this fit both organizations’ missions?
The collaboration supports high-quality, integrated, and community-focused care—building on Kaiser Permanente’s presence in Colorado since 1969 and CommonSpirit’s care tradition dating back to 1882.
