Great River Health announced that it is collaborating with the
University of Iowa Health Alliance (UIHA), becoming the organization’s
fifth member.
The University of Iowa formed UIHA in 2012 to address the rapidly changing
health care environment. Through the alliance, hospitals and physicians
from across the state can share effective practices, education and research.
Alliance members’ shared vision of health is for high quality, lower
costs and a healthier Iowa.
Great River Health will work with other UIHA members to develop
and implement evidence-based care for keeping populations healthy. The
health systems also will share selected support services and information
technologies needed to succeed in the emerging accountable care environment.
“This partnership is an important step for better coordinating and
expanding health care for our region,” said Mark Richardson, Great
River Health Systems’ president and CEO. “UIHA will enhance
our efforts to navigate health care reform by helping us to continue providing
high-quality care while saving valuable health care dollars.”
Besides Great River Health and the University of Iowa Health Care,
other alliance members are:
- Genesis Health System based in Davenport
- Mercy-Cedar Rapids
- Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa based in Waterloo
The five-member alliance comprises 21 hospitals and clinics across Iowa
with key locations in Burlington/West Burlington, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids,
Davenport, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Iowa City, Keokuk and Waterloo. Nearly
2,100 physicians are part of the alliance.
“The addition of Great River Health significantly strengthens
our efforts to improve clinical integration throughout Iowa,” said
University of Iowa Health Alliance CEO Dan Kueter. “They also will
join our new UIHA Accountable Care Organization as we work together to
shift from fee-for-service to value-based care delivery. Patients, employers
and insurance carriers look to us to deliver physician-led solutions that
use best medical practices for prevention and wellness. We’re uniquely
focused on delivering the right services at the right time.”
The agreement does not involve a merger of assets or changes in ownership
and control. Great River Health maintains its independence and
commitment to serving residents of southeast Iowa, west-central Illinois
and northeast Missouri.