Independent Hospital
What is an independent hospital?
An independent hospital is a hospital that is not owned or operated by a health system or integrated delivery network (IDN).
Some of the benefits of an independent hospital include:
- More efficient operations
- Better cost management
- More agile in the face of change
- Fewer levels of approval for facility changes
However, an independent hospital may also suffer in the competitive healthcare environment when working against large health systems. This can result in limited access to resources and a lack of funding.
To combat such disadvantages, recommendations for independent hospital success include:
- Develop a strong primary care base.
- Develop specialty offerings to limit referrals to other hospitals or systems.
- Have physician leaders.
- Enhance care management.
- Build relationships with local employers to increase the volume of privately insured patients.
- Pursue accountable care.
- Invest in facility upkeep and upgrades.
How do independent hospitals support healthcare?
The greatest benefit that independent hospitals offer healthcare is their flexibility and agility to change. Medicine is a constantly evolving field, and independent hospitals have an easier time adjusting to the healthcare environment, often providing the most up-to-date services. This ensures that their patients are well-cared for since they can adapt their facility and care strategies quicker than hospitals that are part of large systems.