INTEGRATED DELIVERY SYSTEMS: A Look At Coming Trends
The Managed Care Information Center has announced seven trend predictions for the new year, timed with the release of its new Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems Yearbook. In addition to rising costs, according to the MCIC, integrated delivery systems (IDSs) should expect the following developments in 1999:
- Increased competition as more multi-hospital IDSs take shape;
- A rise in "niche" competitors, or specialized delivery systems targeted at particular patient populations and diseases;
- Improved working relationships among hospitals and physicians;
- Physician-hospital organizations that operate more efficiently;
- A rise in the number of hospital-sponsored management services organizations (MSOs) in the aftermath of the collapse of major physician management companies;
- Increased emphasis on outside accreditation to attract members and build brand;
- Heightened focus on information systems as both Y2K compliance and the rising demand for computer-based medical records heat up.