Vertical and Horizontal Integration of Health Systems

You are a new hire at the local health department. With the changes in the healthcare system, the health department has been charged with compiling an updated list of vertical and horizontal integrated systems in the area. This list could be made available to patients as a resource for care options in their area.

To begin this task, review the resources relating to vertical and horizontal integrated systems. Be sure that you understand the differences between integrated system types, as well as the characteristics of each system type. Research the different health systems in your area. If you are in a rural area, consider the systems in the larger communities nearby.

Area is a regular sized city.

Vertical and Horizontal Integrated Systems

• Explain how vertical integrated systems are organized.
• Explain how horizontal integrated systems are organized.

Benefits and Limitations of Integrated Systems

• Explain the benefits and limitations of vertical integrated systems.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of horizontally integrated systems.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of market consolidation.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of hospital consolidation.
• Explain the benefits and limitations of hospital/physician integration.
  • Consider the implications of integration for the management of the organization, as well as the patient/consumer experience along the continuum of care.

Vertical System 1

• Describe the system, the organizations within it, and the services it offers.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.

Vertical System 2

• Describe the system and the organizations within it.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.

Vertical System 3

• Describe the system and the organizations within it.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.

Horizontal System 1

• Describe the system and the organizations within it.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.

Horizontal System 2

• Describe the system and the organizations within it.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.

Horizontal System 3

• Describe the system and the organizations within it.
• Describe how a person would find and receive care within the system.