First few Article Sentences
Health care reform has placed an increased focus on accountability for quality outcomes and, at the same time, low-cost care. Health care leaders should evaluate the degree to which hospital mergers or affiliations will offer improved quality of care and lower costs in their own facility.
As pressure to improve quality and reduce costs mounts, and capital requirements grow for new investment, stand-alone hospitals will become less common in the health care ecosystem. Independent hospitals and midsize systems are facing increasing pressure as larger health organizations combine, consolidate, and merge. Should your independent hospital join the movement and sell to a larger system or hospital? Are you prepared and ready to consider this important decision?