Health systems nationwide are looking for ways to improve the overall health of their communities while cutting costs. One emerging trend is investing in primary care and express care sites.
These investments could be the key to lowering costs, improving patient satisfaction and reducing hospitalizations or unnecessary emergency department visits, according to an op-ed published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Here are six hospital or health systems investing in primary, retail or urgent care sites as reported by Becker's Hospital Review since Jan. 1:
1. Atlanta hospital to acquire 3 urgent care centers
Atlanta-based Northside Hospital has acquired three urgent care sites from ChoiceOne Urgent Care of Gwinnett.
2. U of Maryland Medical System acquires 9 urgent care sites
Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical System has acquired nine ChoiceOne Urgent Care sites.
3. Allina buys primary care practice
Allina Health System in Minneapolis bought Apple Valley (Minn.) Medical Clinic, according to the Star Tribune.
4. Partners HealthCare inks deal with One Medical to expand primary care
Boston-based Partners HealthCare, rebranding as Mass General Brigham, is expanding its primary care presence through a partnership with One Medical, a membership-based chain of primary care clinics.
5. ChristianaCare partners with urgent care chain
ChristianaCare, a three-hospital system based in Wilmington, Del., is establishing a network of urgent care centers in Delaware with GoHealth Urgent Care.
6. Piedmont joint venture acquires 9 urgent care centers
A joint venture of Atlanta-based Piedmont Healthcare and WellStreet Urgent Care recently acquired nine urgent care centers, expanding its footprint to 26 urgent care facilities.