Integration of medical systems

When we start talking about integration in healthcare system, to reach maximum integrity with efficient working pattern to get high achievable goals and serve broad segment of society. At first glance there are many of integration forms and working designs that was adapted to be more close for innovated medical solutions. The concept of the IDS emerged first time in 1990 in response to rapidly reimbursement environment changes. First trial carried many gaps between physicians and missteps among medical workers that leaded to high cost of introduced services with less effective role among patient and receivers. Currently there is renewed interest of IDS as a mean of cost reduction tool and overcome new cascade of services and patients demands.

In order to reduce costs; medical workers need payment system depending on value (quality& cost) rather than volume. Most of patient direct payment through provider should be fallen in one main gate better than be scattered among medical service unites and insurance firms. There are more than 70 term related to healthcare integration and 175 concepts or definitions. In order to show the evidence that there is no one declared or agreement much closely to IDS, take a look below;

ü  Integrated health services

ü  Integrated delivery network

ü  Integrated healthcare delivery

ü  Organized delivery systems

ü  Integrated health organization

ü  Clinically integrated systems

ü  Organized system of care

ü Accountable care system (ACS)

Varied definitions of IDS;

An organized, coordinated and collaborative network that: links various healthcare providers, via common ownership or contract, across three domains of integration – economic, noneconomic, and clinical – to provide a coordinated, vertical continuum of services to a particular patient population or community and is accountable both clinically and fiscally for the clinical outcomes and health status of the population or community served, and has systems in place to manage and improve them. (Enthoven 2009)

A delivery system which “provides or aims to provide a coordinated continuum of services to a defined population and are willing to be held clinically and fiscally accountable for the outcomes and the health status of the population served. (Lega 2007)

An organization which “uses corporate structure, strategic alliances, governance, management approaches, culture, financial practices, clinical information systems, and other tools to facilitate and insure delivery of this type of care.

(Moore& coddington 2008)

The management and delivery of health services so that the clients receive a continuum of preventive and curative services, according to their needs over time and across different levels of the health system.                                                                                                                  

(WHO Definition of IDS 2008)