Growth rate of integrated systems shows huge rise in last two years.

Abstract

The number of integrated health systems is increasing rapidly across the country as hospitals realize these are the key to their survival. Just how influential are these systems? Here are a few facts: The number of highly integrated health systems rose to 228 in 1997, a 20.6% increase from 1996. Integrated hospitals reported an average occupancy rate of 52.2%. Hospitals that are not integrated reported an average occupancy rate of 48.1%.