Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question here? Send your question or comment here.

Why did UAB Health System decide to acquire Ascension St. Vincent’s?

The UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance launched in 2020 to increase Alabamians’ access to high-quality, innovative medical care and help patients receive the right care at the right time and place. UAB Health System and Ascension St. Vincent’s leadership view this as the natural next step to continue to strengthen sustainable care in Alabama.

Which locations does the agreement include?

It includes all of the hospitals including Birmingham, Blount, Chilton, East and St. Clair, as well as the One Nineteen Campus; the Trussville Freestanding Emergency Department; and imaging centers and other clinics.

Will I be able to see my same doctor or provider and will they continue to be in-network?

Yes. You will continue to see your current doctor or provider and should experience no changes in your care or care team.

I have doctors at St. Vincent’s. Is that going to change?

UAB Health System plans to continue operating St. Vincent’s facilities with the outstanding caregivers and associates that are currently serving these communities. So, you can keep your appointments with your St. Vincent’s doctors.

I’m a UAB patient. Will I be going to St. Vincent’s now for my appointments?

This will not have an impact on patient care at UAB Medicine and you will continue to use your familiar processes to make appointments, request prescription refills, pay your bills, and communicate with your care providers as you always have.

Will UAB Health System become a Catholic health system?

No, UAB Health System will not become a Catholic health system.

Does the acquisition affect my upcoming procedure?

There are no planned changes with your upcoming procedures. Your provider will continue to consult with you on the best course of care, including planned procedures or treatments.

Should I watch the news or how will I get more information?

To keep up to date with the latest developments visit this website, uabstv.org.

Can I pay my bills from UAB Medicine and St. Vincent’s at the same time/together?

Please continue paying your bills as you always have, using the information available on each bill.

Will I have to pay more/less because of this?

No. Your bills and what you owe won’t change because of this.

Will the Ascension St. Vincent’s mission remain the same?

UAB Health System and St. Vincent’s are both mission driven organizations, which greatly benefits our patients, community and employees, associates and caregivers. We want to honor the culture St. Vincent’s associates and caregivers have built over many years. We have worked closely with the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham on this transition, and while UAB Health System operations will remain unaffiliated with the Church, St. Vincent’s associates and caregivers should plan to continue their great tradition of serving all persons, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable, with holistic care that improves the health of individuals and the community.

Some healthcare mergers have resulted in higher costs for patients – will that happen here?

The intent is to sustain patients’ access to quality healthcare, and we do not anticipate increased costs. In fact, we anticipate that we will be able to achieve economies of scale to – ultimately – reduce the cost of care.

Will patients have in-network access across all facilities once the systems are combined?

As insurance plans vary, patients should discuss insurance options with their provider and insurer. We will prioritize streamlining access for all patients across all UAB Health System facilities.

Will pay and benefits for Ascension St. Vincent's employees change with the transition?

Employee benefits are anticipated to be comparable to those currently provided to Ascension St. Vincent’s caregivers and associates, and base wages and salary levels will not decrease.