Kansas University Hospital and Olathe Medical Center recently announced that they are exploring a joint venture in heart care.

The concept would have KU Hospital’s cardiology team provide the physician component of clinical, diagnostic, intervention and in-patient cardiac care at Olathe Medical Center, Miami County Medical Center and other area facilities where Olathe Medical Center has established relationships.

Officials with KU Hospital and Olathe Medical Center said they are exploring the opportunity to continue the care provided to communities served by Olathe Medical Center, while also establishing the best position for growth.

“The University of Kansas Hospital has earned national recognition for the quality of its heart program. The heart program has also scored high in national patient satisfaction surveys,” Frank Devocelle, president and chief executive officer of Olathe Medical Center, said in a news release.

Hospital leaders said discussions could last until the end of the year and they would have no further comment.