title: Integrated health systems: they will set benchmarks for performance.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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