Data on vertical integration does not show improved care coordination

A new study from Rice University and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas found that when health systems acquired physician practices in the state, costs went up, but quality of care did not. Vertical integration, the practice of hospitals or health systems buying physician practices has become a controversial issue in recent years. The researchers’ data on integration does not show improved care coordination – instead it suggests delivery of more services but not an improvement in quality. Read article here…

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