A group representing Iowa anesthesiologists has retracted its public letter raising concerns over MercyOne's decision to part with its former long-time partner for anesthesia care.

MercyOne on May 31 transitioned to Vituity , a for-profit multi-specialty physician group based in California, to provide anesthesia care at the health organization's central Iowa locations, including its downtown Des Moines hospital and West Des Moines medical center.

The new partnership came after MercyOne ended its agreement with Medical Center Anesthesiologists, an anesthesia provider based in the Des Moines area, following a disagreement over the group's contract.

The Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists had previously issued a statement accusing MercyOne of facing "staffing constraints brought on by a

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