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.
The HVAC Dilemma: To Repair or Replace?
Department of Veterans Affairs Signs Lease for Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Kentucky
Cameron Regional Medical Center Falls Victim to Ransomware Attack
3 Pillars of Stronger Cybersecurity in Healthcare
Meridian Acquires Medical Office Building in Pasadena, CA