Health system mergers and acquisitions indicate a shift toward retail clinics, physician practices and digital resources, according to an article on the Health Facility Management website.
"The shift in hospitals toward vertical integration is a response to the need to form new delivery system models that allow for greater coordination of care," said a spokeswoman for the American Hospital Association.
For instance, Providence Health & Services and Walgreens in Portland and Seattle are partnering to integrate 25 store-based clinics into the system's primary care model.
This shift can lower risk, improve cost structures and capture more of the payer dollars, as well as serve customers better, the article said.
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 
Brookdale Senior Living Announces Acquisition of the Brookdale Galleria Community
Erlanger Health System Falls Victim to Data Breach
Technological Readiness: The Missing Construction Milestone
From Cooling Towers to Cost Savings: Hospital Seizes Power-Saving Opportunity