Gunderson Lutheran had the fourth-lowest healthcare costs in the nation based on Medicare spending and was 30 percent below the 2006 national average on spending per Medicare beneficiary, according to the report.
One explanation for why Gunderson Lutheran can provide quality care at lower cost is that integrated systems and large physician practices closely aligned with a hospital often produces better results, according to the report. Gunderson Lutheran also operates its own insurance plan, which could give it added incentive to provide efficient care at a low cost.
Physicians at Gunderson Lutheran run the health system and are involved in its operations and controlling costs. The integrated system also makes it easier for physicians to standardize care and equipment, according to the report.
Gunderson Lutheran also promotes a culture of cooperation and patient-focused care, which may add to cost savings. La Crosse has also helped keep costs in check with the help of a community-wide program to encourage citizens to have advance directives in place so physicians know what actions to take when it comes to end-of-life care, according to the report.
Read the Journal Sentinel’s report about Gunderson Lutheran’s cost-effective healthcare.
