Alliance Imaging, Inc. was founded in 1983 as a shared mobile Computed Tomography (CT) provider.
Shortly after the introduction of clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Alliance Imaging purchased its first mobile MRI system. Two of the first MRI technologists in clinical practice in the United States were hired to operate the unit in southern California. Over the next few years, Alliance grew rapidly, expanding its MRI services into northern California, and then the central and eastern regions of the United States.
Alliance continued its rapid growth, purchasing additional imaging systems and making a series of 13 strategic acquisitions.
By the end of 1998, Alliance had acquired 250 mobile MRI systems and serviced clients nationwide – becoming the nation’s largest provider of mobile MRI services. In December 1998, Alliance became the first national provider of shared imaging services to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission.
In November 1999, an affiliate of Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Company (KKR) acquired majority ownership of the company.
Alliance made a public offering on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIQ.
Alliance adopted a new strategic plan focused on introducing Positron Emission Tomography/CT (PET/CT) technology and fixed-site imaging centers into its service lines.
Alliance Imaging acquired PET Scans of America and ADC, strengthening the PET, PET/CT and fixed-site imaging center segments of the company’s business.
Alliance Oncology was formed, adding radiation therapy to Alliance’s evolving diversification and growth strategy. Used primarily to diagnose cancer, radiation therapy is a natural extension for Alliance as the leader in PET/CT. Alliance Oncology partners with hospitals and other healthcare providers to establish new cancer centers or upgrade existing facilities with advanced technologies.
In April 2007, Oaktree Capital Management, LLC (Oaktree) and MTS Health Investors, LLC (MTS) purchased the majority of KKR’s shares in the company and together now own approximately 48% of the company’s common stock.
In late 2007, Alliance commenced its acquisition strategy, acquiring New England Health Imaging and Bethesda Regional Cancer Treatment Centers. These strengthen the fixed-site imaging center and radiation therapy segments of the company’s business.
Five acquisitions followed in 2008, including six radiosurgery CyberKnife centers from Accuray; Medical Outsourcing Services (MOS), a mobile PET/CT provider; and Shared PET Imaging, a mobile and fixed-site PET/CT provider. These strengthen the radiation therapy business as well as Alliance’s position as the nation’s largest PET/CT provider.
In January 2009, Alliance Imaging announced a company name change to Alliance HealthCare Services. The new company name, effective February 17, 2009, better reflects the current structure of the organization, its services and growth strategy. Under the umbrella of Alliance HealthCare Services, the company’s imaging and oncology divisions will continue to operate under the names of Alliance Imaging and Alliance Oncology.
In October, Alliance’s first women’s breast health care center partnership came to fruition with the grand opening of the state-of-the-art facility at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, Mass. The breast imaging program includes mammography; ultrasound; stereotactic, ultrasound-guided and MRI-guided biopsies; dedicated breast MRI; and bone densitometry. The breast-focused radiation oncology program includes Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) and High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy.
With more than 1,000 hospital clients in 45 states, Alliance HealthCare Services is the nation’s largest provider of advanced outpatient diagnostic imaging services. The company focuses on MRI, PET/CT and CT through its Alliance Imaging division as well as the expansion of its radiation therapy business through its Alliance Oncology division.
The company operates 482 diagnostic imaging systems and performs more than one million scans annually. Alliance has also grown to be one of the leading operators of fixed-site imaging centers, with 119 locations across the country. In addition, Alliance operates 25 radiation therapy centers, providing state-of-the-art treatment and care for cancer patients.