When it comes to complex, low-volume procedures, health systems will need to partner with competitors for better quality of care, according to a new study published in Health Affairs.
Researchers looked at hospital clusters, that is, local and regional systems that consolidated in a particular market to create a considerable presence in the area. They found that hospital clusters, with rapid growth since the 1990s, have indeed worked to shift higher-volume procedures to "lead" facilities, but they may need to work on concentrating cases for the lowest-volume procedures, such as esophagectomies; study authors conclude that would require health systems to go outside of their cluster.
"The results imply that policy makers should focus on clusters' potential for restructuring care and further coordinating services across hospitals in local areas," the study states.
This year, healthcare mergers and acquisitions have reached an all-time high in terms of dollar value, as news breaks of increasing joint alliances. Geisinger last week announced it is merging with Bloomsburg Health, and Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recently announced it is launching practice affiliations. With accountable care organizations on the horizon, more consolidation and partnerships are sure to come.
The study may suggest that even with all the benefits that come from hospital clusters, such as financial support, health systems could still do more done with care collaboration.
For more information:
- check out the study abstract
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