About 20,000 heart patients in central Missouri could be affected after Boone Health and the Missouri Heart Center announced Monday, they are parting ways later this year.
During a press conference in Columbia, Boone Health’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Christian Basi, said Missouri Heart initiated the separation by sending a termination letter to the hospital system.
“And that letter specifically says that they’re terminating the partnership. They have communicated that they intend to open up a competing clinic in Columbia. We believe that is in direct violation of the contract that we signed with them several years ago,” Basi said.
According to Boone Health, the termination date listed in the letter is May 6, 2026.
Lawsuit filed ahead of separation
As the separation date approaches, Boone Health has filed a lawsuit in Boone County Circuit Court against the Missouri Heart Center or MO Heart.
The lawsuit alleges breaches of contract, misuse of confidential information, and plans to engage in unlawful competition. Court documents show the two sides renewed their agreement in 2021, covering professional services and the management of Boone Health’s cardiology operations.
Boone Health claims it paid the cardiology group millions of dollars for staffing, administrative oversight, and revenue cycle management. In return, Boone Health says Missouri Heart agreed to non‑compete, and confidentiality provisions meant to protect the hospital’s business interests.
Boone Health alleges Missouri Heart violated those provisions by preparing to open a competing cardiology practice in the Columbia area, potentially as soon as the current agreement expires in May 2026.
The lawsuit also claims Missouri Heart obstructed Boone Health’s access to key patient and operational systems, raising concerns about continuity of care.
Data access and patient notifications
Basi said Boone Health began requesting patient lists and access to data in January and February to help manage the transition and notify patients, but those requests were not fulfilled.
“And we’re very, very disappointed that they have yet to respond to those requests. We feel it’s an easy data pool, and it should be something that should be relatively simple. And they have agreed that these are our patients, but they have refused to give us the names,” Basi said.
Hospital leaders say the lack of access could impact continuity of care for an estimated 20,000 patients across mid‑Missouri.
Non‑compete provisions at issue
Boone Health says the contract restricts physicians leaving Missouri Heart from practicing nearby if they align with a private equity group.
“Any physician who is leaving for a private equity group from Missouri Heart will be unable to practice or compete with Boone Health within 100 miles of the hospital,” Basi said. “It also states that they can’t compete within 25 miles of a clinic.”
According to Boone Health, Missouri Heart plans to align with Heart & Vascular Partners, a private equity‑backed group, and open a new cardiology clinic in Columbia.
Boone Health is asking a judge to affirm that the non‑compete agreements are valid and has requested a jury trial.
Missouri Heart Center responds
In response, Missouri Heart Center released a statement disputing Boone Health’s claims.
The cardiology group says it has served Columbia and central Missouri for more than 40 years and remains focused on patient‑centered care. Missouri Heart says it disagrees with the allegations in the lawsuit, calling them legally and factually incorrect, but says the litigation will not change its commitment to patients.
Missouri Heart Center says it remains open, continues to provide care at Boone Hospital, and is willing to work toward a constructive path forward, though it will not comment further on the legal process due to the pending lawsuit.
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