(Photo ID – left to right) Jeffrey T. Kreikmeier, M.D.; David D. Benage, M.D.; Andrew Y. Su, M.D.; Brian C. McMorrow, M.D.; Cheri M. Carmody, A.N.P.; Jeffrey E. Mathews, M.D.; Loren H. Marshall, M.D.; Richard T. Riegel, M.D., and Fred H. Williams, M.D.

For release in February 2010:
Contact: John Marshall
Company Name: Signature Medical Group
Telephone: 314-995-7164 x103
Fax: 314-995-9625
Email:jmarshall@SignatureHealth.net
Website: http://www.signaturemedicalgroup.com


Signature Medical Group Announces the Addition of Gateway Gastroenterology

(St. Louis, February 25, 2010) – Signature Medical Group, one of the largest physician owned medical practices in the St. Louis area, has announced the addition of Gateway Gastroenterology. Effective February 1, this eight-physician addition brings to 79 the total physician ownership in Signature as well as further expanding the multi-specialty aspect of Signature. The Gateway Gastroenterology physicians cite the operating model of physician leadership as a key factor in their decision to join Signature. Signature’s economy of scale and efficient practice management has consistently demonstrated the ability to provide more cost-effective care.
David D. Benage, M.D., of Gateway Gastroenterology, noted, "In joining Signature we continue our efforts to provide outstanding service to our patients and run the most efficient practice possible. We believe our relationship with Signature will help us accomplish both of these goals."
According to Jan Vest, CEO, of Signature Health Services, Inc., "Signature Medical Group welcomes the addition of Gateway Gastroenterology. This addition allows us to continue our work to organize physicians for the benefit of the patients, while providing physician leadership in the quest for cost containment and safety in patient care."

Gateway Gastroenterology has two locations. The main office is at 621 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 228A, and the Gateway Endoscopy Center at 12855 N. 40 Dr., Suite 150.

Signature Medical Group is now a 79 doctor multi-specialty physician practice, providing orthopedic, OB/GYN, gastrointestinal and allergy services. Physicians at our 15 medical practices see patients at 22 locations in the St. Louis area. Our physicians perform more than 325,000 patient visits per year and deliver more than 3,000 babies. Findings from a recent study show that our physicians outperform all other physicians in the St. Louis area by providing care at 20-30% less cost with excellent quality outcomes.