Three Health Systems in Maryland Talk of Possible Alliance
By: Ananda Rochita
Updated: January 25, 2013
MARYLAND - Three health systems in Maryland are in talks of a possible alliance.
"This is very unique where we can collaborate together based on our unique services to learn from each other," says Tom Kleinhanzl, CEO Frederick Regional Health Systems.
Kleinhanzl says he's excited for the future and a possible collaboration between three other systems in the area, Meritus Health, Frederick Regional, and Western Maryland. The health systems are all not-for-profit organizations and they're hoping that this could help them explore other options to better serve the people.
They say they're hoping with a possible alliance to prepare for the future, including financial challenges on both a national and state level and the three health systems have worked together before.
"One of the questions you ask yourself is if you wanna partner, who do you partner with and who better to partner with then people you've had success with," says Ross.
The reason for talks of a collaboration is about the future of health care. They say around the country there are a limited number of independent community hospitals left and all need to find ways to still provide affordable services.
"It's certainly driven by the fiscal cliff discussion," says Ross.
The three health systems are going through a study with the Berkeley Research Group for the next couple of months to see if this alliance could work.
"This is very unique where we can collaborate together based on our unique services to learn from each other," says Tom Kleinhanzl, CEO Frederick Regional Health Systems.
Kleinhanzl says he's excited for the future and a possible collaboration between three other systems in the area, Meritus Health, Frederick Regional, and Western Maryland. The health systems are all not-for-profit organizations and they're hoping that this could help them explore other options to better serve the people.
They say they're hoping with a possible alliance to prepare for the future, including financial challenges on both a national and state level and the three health systems have worked together before.
"One of the questions you ask yourself is if you wanna partner, who do you partner with and who better to partner with then people you've had success with," says Ross.
The reason for talks of a collaboration is about the future of health care. They say around the country there are a limited number of independent community hospitals left and all need to find ways to still provide affordable services.
"It's certainly driven by the fiscal cliff discussion," says Ross.
The three health systems are going through a study with the Berkeley Research Group for the next couple of months to see if this alliance could work.
