7 health systems combine to form virtual healthcare network

Accountable care is the driving force behind a new Midwest-based virtual healthcare network that comprises seven health systems and a medical college. The network--dubbed Quality Health Solutions--represents 28 total hospitals throughout Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois, as well as the Milwaukee-based Medical College of Wisconsin, according to an announcement. Data aggregation tools from Santa Monica, Calif.-based Intelligent Healthcare will be used to ensure the deployment of efficient care across the network. A telemedicine strategy also is set to be implemented by the network this spring that will look to streamline connectivity between local care facilities (and their aligned providers) and specialty services to treat stroke patients in emergency rooms. Announcement