Physician integration and partnerships

What does "integration" mean?

It's much more than employing physicians. It is total engagement between highly motivated co-leaders, including physicians, clinical directors and administrative champions.

What are the benefits of integration?

Co-leadership empowers a culture of teamwork and accountability, improved clinical and financial performance, and a cohesive approach to strategic implementation.

What will integration achieve?

A patient-centered, cost-effective focus, ultimately improving the health and wellness of our local community by providing the most convenient, connected and coordinated care.

Spotlight on integration: Community Heart and Vascular

In 2009, we integrated cardiovascular services through the creation of Community Heart and Vascular, which consists of The Indiana Heart Hospital, cardiovascular services at four acute care Community hospitals and 30+ physicians, including cardiologists, vascular surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons—totalling more than 600 employees. What's more, all aspects of the program are co-managed with physicians, leading to more cohesive scheduling, testing, communication and, ultimately, improved outcomes.

This integration promotes:

• Development of innovative clinical care programming
• Easier to leverage clinical services, such as primary care and emergency departments
• Expansion of clinical research and teaching opportunities
• Economic and operating efficiency
• Leadership and management at full program levels
• Greater focus of physicians' time and abilities on program development

Ongoing integration efforts

In addition to Community Heart and Vascular, Community Physician Network primary care group continues to grow, and the integration of specialists through employment has also expanded to include physicians specializing in behavioral care, breast surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, sleep, infectious diseases, critical care, pulmonary medicine and hospitalists.

Physicians as partners

Download: Partnering with Physicians (PDF) >>

Community values physicians as partners, promising them involvement in leadership and a voice in decision-making. Below are some of the ways we foster partnerships with and among our doctors:

• Physician manpower planning and development—This includes recruitment of top doctors, a concerted effort to ensure fair compensation, successful onboarding and orientation, and a focus on retention.
• Physician networking opportunities—Community hosts regular Doc to Doc events that allow physicians to get to know one another better and other special happenings.
• Communications with physicians—Intranet portals for medical staff members and other physician populations help Community doctors stay informed. Surveying efforts and other feedback vehicles ensure that physician voices are heard.
• Recognitions—Just as the network fosters a culture of recognition and thank you's among employees, the exceptional physician experience initiative provides vehicles for giving physicians the recognition they deserve.
• Professional development—The network's "Medicine Meets Business" class provides participating doctors with new insights into the business of medicine. And physicians have many opportunities to serve on committees and advisory boards, covering topics ranging from integration to electronic medical records.
• Joint venture opportunities—Current joint venture opportunities exist through our Indiana Surgery Centers and Community Imaging Center location on the Community Hospital North campus.