HealthPartners forging link with Lakeview Health System

HealthPartners has signed a letter of intent to establish a link with Stillwater's Lakeview Health System, which owns Lakeview Hospital and Stillwater Medical Group, a multispecialty practice.

Lakeview is one of the few remaining independent systems in Minnesota. It will remain a separate entity with its own board.

The details of the partnership have yet to be worked out, Lakeview spokesman Rick Robbins said, though it will likely allow Lakeview to offer a wider array of services. The deal is expected to be finalized in April.