The Illinois Hospital Association and the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council have signed a letter of intent to merge.
The combined organization will focus on "enhancement and alignment of MCHC and IHA services to strengthen Illinois' hospitals and health systems as they transform the healthcare delivery system," the groups said.
By forming the integrated organization, the groups said they will be able to grow current offerings for their members including new business and revenue solutions and a myriad of innovative technology, data analytics and information to support the management of population health and systems of care. They said the integration will also enhance the ability of the Illinois healthcare community to meet healthcare's triple aim.
The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.