The race to integrate. Who will be the leaders?

Who will integrate care in the health networks emerging across the U.S.? The question is far from academic, as systems integration moves forward dramatically. In our overview, we look at the challenges, conceptual and practical, of partnering. The integration taking place in southeast Michigan "didn't happen overnight," say those involved. But the Blue Cross partnership with two large health systems is transforming health care delivery in that area. The leaders in the Fallon Healthcare Organization in Worcester, MA, say physician direction has been a key to their success. Two Arkansas employers facing the same benefits crisis worked together on costs and ended up redirecting care delivery for employees. Three rural Pennsylvania hospitals faced growing resources issues together and found themselves building a regional alliance.