Two of Wisconsin's leading integrated health systems — UW Health in Madison and Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee — have initiated exploratory discussions to find how they can collaborate and "enhance the delivery of high-quality, affordable healthcare to Wisconsin and the surrounding region."
Few details were given on what type of transaction or affiliation would be pursued. UW Health and Aurora officials emphasized their commitment to accountable care, risk-based reimbursement and perfecting the continuum of care. UW Health and Aurora both have accountable care organizations participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and Aurora also launched commercial ACOs with Aetna and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
UW Health, led by Donna Katen-Bahensky, is one of the largest academic medical centers in Wisconsin. It includes 566-bed UW Hospital and Clinics and UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Aurora, led by Nick Turkal, MD, owns 15 hospitals across 31 counties and has roughly $4.1 billion in annual revenue. In August 2012, Aurora created a joint venture with Franklin, Tenn.-based for-profit operator IASIS Healthcare.
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