With rapid advancements in medicine and foreseen challenges in heathcare reform, Altoona Regional Health System is looking at the possibility of merging with a larger healthcare system and it appears the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is at the top of the list.

"There are a lot of financial challenges currently in healthcare and a lot of financial challenges coming," said Dave Cuzzolina, director of marketing for Altoona Regional Health System. "Midsize hospitals like ours and smaller hospitals are going to have to eventually uplink, as they say, with a larger partner."

Over the past year, the board of directors has already started discussions with other healthcare systems.

"Several organizations have presented to the board their vision of what they see the future of healthcare being in Pennsylvania," said Cuzzolina. "Based on those visions, the board has decided to enter into more detailed discussions with UPMC.

UPMC's presence in Altoona would most likely become another hub, meaning an almost certain name change for Altoona Regional. But as far as services, if anything, Cuzzolina said they would be expanded.

"We want to grow, we want to grow employment, we want to grow revenues and we want to add services," said Cuzzolina. "UPMC appears to be the partner who can help as do that."

UPMC is not the only healthcare system directors are looking at but it's been the focus of their talks. It's a $10 billion dollar global health care organization that Cuzzolina feels would make a great addition to the the Altoona Region.

"That brings resources to our area: the capital, the technology and physicians," said Cuzzolina. "It could be, and would be, a very good thing for this area."

Altoona Regional is still in discussions. There is no timeframe set as to when a final determination will be made.