Aug 5, 2016 | Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Laboratory Sales and Marketing, Laboratory Testing, Management & Operations
As health systems accept increased risk under healthcare reform, partnerships and provider insurance plans may also lead to greater rewards for hospitals and doctors
Even as pathologists, clinical laboratories, and other medical service providers adapt to value-based care initiatives and bundled payment plans, health systems are looking for ways to optimize both quality of care and treatment costs. In some cases this is the reason behind new joint ventures between provider and payer organizations.
Once such joint venture involves Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Aurora Healthcare. It was announced in an April press release.
The two partners created a newly licensed insurer called the Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). With both Anthem and Aurora Healthcare investing $5-million in the new insurance company, they will split equally any profits and losses derived from their new commercial health plan—Well Priority.
The plan includes services with 15 Aurora Healthcare hospitals as well as choice providers throughout the state. The first commercial plan will be available to fully insured and self-insured employers, with service starting January 1, 2017. (more…)
Sep 7, 2012 | Laboratory Hiring & Human Resources, Laboratory Management and Operations, Laboratory News, Laboratory Operations, Laboratory Pathology, Management & Operations
Pathologists and clinical laboratory managers should not be surprised to see today’s nontraditional healthcare delivery models becoming tomorrow’s industry norm
Big healthcare players are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to acquire unexpected targets. The biggest of these deals signal that healthcare consolidation and integration is a continuing trend. It is also a reminder to clinical laboratory managers and pathologists that the competitive healthcare marketplace is transforming at a steady pace.
Three such deals emphasize that the consolidation trend is alive and well:
- Dignity Health purchased U.S. Healthworks this summer. No terms were disclosed, but some analysts estimate that the purchase price may have been more than $500 million.
- DaVita Partners, a major player in dialysis services, is to purchase Healthcare Partners for $4.4 billion. Healthcare Partners operates 150 clinics in three states, plus has a national network of 8,300 independent physicians.
- United HealthGroup, Inc., in deal announced last fall, acquired Monarch Healthcare, an independent physician association with 2,300 doctors in Southern California. Purchase price was not announced.
Acquisitions Have Potential to Reshape Competitive Landscape (more…)
