The merger of Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White is complete, creating the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Texas.

Joel Allison, who was CEO of Baylor and will continue as CEO of Baylor Scott & White Health, said in an interview shortly after the documents were signed that any changes "should be very transparent to the communities we're serving."

The merger was finalized near the end of September. The $8.3 billion Baylor Scott & White Health comprises 34,000 employees, more than 500 patient care sites, 43 hospitals and more than 6,000 physicians affiliated with the combined systems.

Baylor Health Care System acquired Baylor Hospital at Frisco in 2005.

Asked about the possibility of layoffs at any of the sites as a result of the merger, Allison said, "I don't see anything immediately," adding: "As we go forward, efficiencies will need to be evaluated."

He said that insurance showing either Baylor or Scott & White as in-network will work at the newly merged healthcare system.

Allison said the combined entity intends to create a new healthcare delivery model based on "population health management—focus on how you care for that population to improve the health of that population."

The goal, he said, is to offer quality care at an affordable price.

A board of 16 trustees with an equal number of representatives will represent the new system.

Robert Pryor, president and CEO of Scott & White Healthcare is president, chief operating officer and chief medical officer for the merged systems, which will have its information technology and human resources departments in Temple.

The corporate headquarters will be in Dallas.

Baylor is a faith-based not-for-profit organization that had $4.1 billion in operating revenue, according to the statement. Scott & White, established in 1897 in Temple, is a nonprofit collaborative healthcare system.