Integrated health systems: they will set benchmarks for performance.
Nearly 600 health care delivery systems are in the process of integrating, and the number of highly integrated health systems based in rural areas jumped 72% in 1997. The primary reason for the integration trend is diminishing resources brought on by restricted reimbursement. Experts agree it will be difficult for freestanding hospitals to survive.
D019985:Benchmarking; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003363:Cost Control; D003625:Data Collection; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; D009935:Organizational Affiliation; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D010067:Ownership; D014481:United States