To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the information related to horizontal and vertical integration in the Resources, including the Shi and Singh (2015) course text, journal articles, and websites.Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2015). Delivering health care in America: A systems approach (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. View online.
• Research integrated health systems in your geographic area Preferred TEXAS. If you find that one or more of the settings you identified for your Week 3 Assignment are part of an integrated system, you may further research the setting(s) for this Discussion. If you cannot identify integrated systems close to where you live, expand your search to include other areas in your state. If you are an international student, you may examine a specific geographic area in the United States or research two integrated health systems identified in the Resources.
• Select one vertically integrated health system and one horizontally integrated health system on which to focus for this Discussion.
• Continue researching these two health systems, noting important information about each health system, including its size, settings/locations, and the services it provides. Investigate how the integration of each system has affected, or is expected to affect, issues related to cost, quality, and access to healthcare services in your area. Consider implications of integration for the management of the organization, as well as the patient/consumer experience along the continuum of care.
Comprehensive response to the following:
• Describe one vertically integrated health system in your area and share details about its size, settings/locations, and the services it provides.
• Describe one horizontally integrated health system in your area and share details about its size, settings/locations, and the services it provides.
• Explain the potential impact of integration on issues related to cost, quality, and access to care, including implications for the management of the organization and the patient/consumer experience along the continuum of care.