Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, a longstanding doctor group that does business as Premier Radiology, has partnered with Optimal Radiology on a joint venture that has given Nashville another health care headquarters.

The agreement linking Optimal — which was founded seven years ago in the Birmingham area — with ADI creates a group of more than 100 radiologists who interpret over 2 million exams annually, according to a company statement. The venture runs radiology departments for hospitals around the country and is being led by CEO John Grimes, a former HCA and PhyCor executive who later held several senior positions at Knoxville-based TeamHealth. 

Grimes and a number of other Optimal senior executives have relocated Radiology's HQ to ADI's building on White Bridge Road next to the Target store. Optimal is keeping in place a number of its administrative staff at its Alabama office.

“With the pending changes in healthcare legislation around quality and cost, we believe hospitals and health systems will move toward contracting with partners who follow established performance expectations," Grimes said. “The partnership will leverage ADI's industry-leading technology platform and Optimal's national network and established clinical and administrative processes to help its hospital and physician partners enhance quality, reduce turnaround times and increase access to subspecialty coverage.”

Grimes said Optimal also is looking to partner with independent radiology groups looking for subspecialty expertise and broader technological capabilities.