Integrating home care into a community healthcare system: one agency's experience

Under the proper conditions of trust and a common vision, it is possible to merge several home care organizations into an effective and focused organization. The multiple revenue streams associated with a portfolio of services enhances financial stability and can provide greater career growth and employment opportunities within the new organization. One-stop shopping for a full range of home care services simplifies the problems of care delivery for the patient and their families, payers, and physicians. Association within a community health system enhances communication relative to patient care and provides the opportunity for using a continuum of services in a more effective way. Lifespan and Battle Creek Health System accomplished these benefits with their merger. In the final analysis, anything that healthcare organizations can do to improve quality services for patients is worth the complex task of merging multiple organizations.