A recent report from the Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) at UPMC and KLAS Research reveals that health systems are actively transforming their ambulatory care strategies. This shift is in response to evolving patient expectations, workforce challenges, and rising financial pressures. The report, titled “Moving Outside the Hospital: Ambulatory Care Strategies at Leading Health Systems,” highlights how leading health systems are adapting by delivering more care in community settings, closer to patients, and outside traditional hospital environments.
Strategic Shift Towards Centralized Leadership
The necessity of robust ambulatory care is prompting a structural shift within health systems towards centralized leadership. Most healthcare leaders participating in the research indicated that their ambulatory strategies are informed by executives who maintain comprehensive visibility across the system and have the authority to influence decisions across various clinical programs. The overarching aim of this centralization is to achieve alignment concerning care access, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Targeted Investments in Growth Areas
Health systems are increasingly adopting a deliberate strategy for expansion, concentrating on markets and service lines with significant patient demand or strategic importance. This includes prioritizing investments in scalable care models, particularly in high-growth and underserved markets.
Key areas of investment outlined in the report include:
– Multispecialty clinics
– Ambulatory surgical centers
– Virtual care platforms
These initiatives are designed to enhance patient retention while addressing gaps in care access.
Enhancing Care Through Strategic Partnerships
The research underscores the vital role of partnerships in broadening care options and improving accessibility. Health systems are leveraging collaborations to enhance their capabilities and meet changing care demands. The most frequently reported partnerships involve independent physician groups and technology companies. Additionally, third-party providers are being utilized for specialized services, including telehealth and behavioral health.
A notable example is UPMC, which has established a Community and Ambulatory Services division. This division is expanding access through a strategic alliance with GoHealth Urgent Care, which has launched over 80 urgent care centers across Pennsylvania and West Virginia this year.
This report highlights the ongoing evolution of ambulatory care strategies as health systems respond to the pressing needs of patients and the healthcare landscape. For further details, the full report can be accessed through the Center for Connected Medicine’s website.
