First few Article Sentences
In today's healthcare industry, community hospitals face unprecedented challenges. From problems with physician retention and recruitment, to increasing technology and compliance costs, to the lack of negotiating power with vendors and suppliers, many community hospitals are at a severe disadvantage. In order to ensure their survival in this difficult economic climate, community hospitals around the nation are reviewing possible merger or affiliation with health systems. While affiliation involves the loss of a community hospital's independence and local control, it can also provide substantial benefits. But is affiliation the answer for all community hospitals? What key benefits and considerations should a community hospital analyze before agreeing to an affiliation?