Dr. Ford concluded that physicians, as a whole, are extremely adaptable. Consequently, he believes that physicians will adapt to the healthcare terrain that is placed in front of them. They will strive to deliver value and volume, while at the same time attempting to solve the looming problem of a healthcare crisis.
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November 2017Dr. Pullen is a freelance medical writer based in Illinois.
Take-Home Points
- One expert said the healthcare industry is poised for an economic crash.
- Physicians can be part of solving the economic problem of healthcare.
- One solution may be to bring as many procedures as possible into the office.
Drivers of Hospital and Health System Consolidation
Health system acquisitions are getting bigger, and experts predict the trend will continue. Several factors prompt health systems to seek strength through consolidation:
- Need for capital. Many health systems do not have the predictable cash flow needed to borrow money at manageable rates.
- Upcoming investment needs. To succeed in the value-based environment, health systems need to invest heavily in technology, such as electronic health record systems and data-sharing capabilities.
- Competition from new entrants. Few health systems have demonstrated themselves to be “invaluable” to stakeholders. Consumers, health plans, and employers are demonstrating their willingness to try new ideas. These range from freestanding urgent care and emergency facilities to national telemedicine vendors to “centers of excellence” contracts, in which employers steer their workers to a few health systems nationally for procedures performed under bundled-payment arrangements.
Source: Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.