The systems entered into a non-binding agreement for a merger in early November.
In the report, Mr. Bartels said that the merger would help both organizations deal with the emerging competition for physicians and staff that has been brought on by the general movement toward the ambulatory setting for healthcare.
Mr. Longenderfer said that two mission-driven organizations have an opportunity to create a “true regional view of the delivery system of healthcare,” which should cut healthcare costs by integrating what is currently a fragmented delivery system, according to the report. Mr. Longenderfer also said in the report that integrated care is necessary for success if Medicare or other payors switch to bundled payments for health episodes.
Read the Central Penn Business Journal’s report on the Pinnacle and WellSpan merger.
