/ en Sun, 27 Apr 2025 12:01:48 -0500 Fri, 23 Feb 24 14:45:00 -0600 /infographics/2021-01-15-fast-facts-us-health-systems-infographic <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><p>AHA has defined two types of health care systems, and both involve an ownership, lease, sponsorship or contract-management relationship with a central organization. A multihospital system involves two or more hospitals, while a single diversified hospital system involves one hospital and three or more pre- or post-acute health care organizations.</p><hr><a href="/system/files/media/file/2024/02/Fast-Facts-US-Health-Systems-Infographic-2024.pdf" title="Click here to download the Fast Facts: U.S. Hospital Systems 2024 Infographic PDF." target="_blank"><img src="/sites/default/files/2024-02/Fast-Facts-US-Health-Systems-2024-Infographic.jpg" alt="Fast Facts: U.S. Health Systems 2024. What is a health care system? AHA has defined two types of health care systems, and both involve an ownership, lease, sponsorship or contract-management relationship with a central organization. A multihospital system involves two or more hospitals, while a single diversified hospital system involves one hospital and three or more pre- or post-acute health care organizations. Total U.S. Health Systems = 407. 67% of U.S. Hospitals are system-affiliated." width="100%"></a></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="https://www.ahadata.com/" target="_blank" data-widget="image"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/aha-data-and-insights-ad.jpg" data-entity-uuid="" data-entity-type="" alt="Learn more about our full suite of data tools. View all AHA Data & Insight Solutions."></a></p></div></div></div> Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:45:00 -0600 System-affiliated /news/headline/2023-11-21-federal-agencies-warn-lockbit-30-ransomware-threat <p>The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center and international partners are <a href="/cybersecurity-government-intelligence-reports/2023-11-21-cybersecurity-advisory-stopransomware-lockbit-30-ransomware-affiliates">alerting</a> health care and other critical infrastructure organizations of the threat of LockBit 3.0 ransomware, labeled "Citrix Bleed," which allows cyberthreat actors to bypass password requirements and multifactor authentication measures.<br />  <br /> “This alert is based upon information voluntarily provided by Boeing Corporation and is an excellent example of cross-sector cyberthreat information sharing for the defense of the nation, against a very significant ransomware threat” said John Riggi, AHA national advisor for cybersecurity and risk. “According to the alert, LockBit 3.0 and its affiliates are exploiting the notorious ‘Citrix Bleed’ vulnerability in the Citrix web application delivery control to harvest credentials, move laterally, defeat multifactor authentication and access data and resources to ultimately steal data and execute high-impact ransomware attacks. Among the many recommendations contained in the alert, it is strongly recommended that all remote-access tools and PowerShell be strictly limited and controlled. As we approach the holidays, it also recommended that increased cyber vigilance and network monitoring be implemented, as our adversaries have repeatedly demonstrated their propensity to attack health care around the holidays — but our network defenders, like our front-line health care heroes, know there are no pauses in our vital missions.”<br />  <br /> For more information on this matter or other cyber and risk issues, contact Riggi at <a href="http://mailto: jriggi@aha.org">jriggi@aha.org</a>. For the latest cyber and risk threat information and resources visit <a href="http://www.aha.org/cybersecurity">www.aha.org/cybersecurity</a>. </p> Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:02:00 -0600 System-affiliated /node/681453 <p>This pamphlet is an example of an active DEI initiative at a health organization. They clearly define diversity and inclusion, why it's important, outlining their mission and explaining what they do, and identifying their leaders and members. Most importantly, they indicate how they should be percieved in the community and in the hospital so they may be held accountable.</p> Thu, 06 Jan 2022 15:02:13 -0600 System-affiliated /chairpersons-file/2017-05-18-chair-file-virtual-behavioral-health-services <p>One out of five Americans, or over 40 million people, struggle with behavioral health each day. In the state of North Carolina alone, every 2.5 minutes a person in behavioral crisis visits an emergency department. To better serve the needs of its patients and community, <strong>Carolinas HealthCare System</strong> found that, by using innovative virtual solutions, it can extend the care the health system provides. CHS clinicians and staff have found that patients are receptive to communicating virtually and receiving care.</p> <p><em>Virtual Behavioral Health Integration.</em> At CHS, the behavioral health integration program, launched in 2014, uses a virtual model that provides timely access, expands services and reaches more primary care patients. With licensed social workers and health coaches working under the direction of a psychiatrist, the program includes a virtual call center, telephonic outreach and support to manage patients between visits. In April 2017, CHS received an Award of Excellence from the National Council for Behavioral Health for “excellence in whole person care.”</p> <p><em>Virtual Emergency Behavioral Health Management</em>. CHS formally launched telepsychiatry services in 2011, which provide video assessments and serve 21 EDs within the health system. Clinicians provide services 24/7 and complete 900 to 1,000 psychiatric evaluations each month. Patient placement further supports this service, averaging 800 to 900 placements into inpatient behavioral health facilities each month. In 2016, CHS received an Award of Excellence from the National Council for Behavioral Health for “excellence in health information technology.”</p> <p>The health system is now working to assist other organizations to replicate this model to build virtual behavioral health platforms. For more information, contact Christopher Coughlin, business manager of the Carolinas Behavioral Health Collaborative, at christopher.coughlin@carolinashealthcare.org.</p> <p>A YouTube video “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcVF3I1Fl1c">Increasing access to mental health services through behavioral health integration</a>” highlights stories from the program at Carolinas HealthCare System. More <a href="/advocacy/access-and-health-coverage/access-behavioral-health">resources on behavioral health</a> are available at <a href="/">AHA.org</a>.</p> Thu, 18 May 2017 00:00:00 -0500 System-affiliated /case-studies/2016-10-26-reducing-readmissions-through-prescription-delivery-services <p>MedEx Bedside Prescription Delivery is the very first bedside medication delivery service for hospital patients. Implemented by <a href='http://www.hanys.org/tripleaim/case-studies/?a=vs&s=Crouse_Hospital_Reduces_Readmissions_amp_Improves_Patient_Satisfaction#Crouse_Hospital_Reduces_Readmissions_amp_Improves_Patient_Satisfaction' target='_blank'>Crouse Hospital</a>, patients in the hospital no longer have to visit the pharmacy for their medications because staff members from Patient Portal and Rite Aid deliver this free service to patients upon discharge. Additionally, patients are offered medication review and counseling by the pharmacist both on-site and off-site through a 24/7 pharmacist hotline and complementary follow-up reminders. In less than a year, this program has proven to be extremely effective and helpful as Crouse Hospital recorded a 15 percent decline in readmission rates and on overall satisfaction rate of 98 percent.</p> <p>This case study is part of the <a href='http://www.hanys.org/tripleaim/' target='_blank'>HANYS Triple Aim</a> series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care agencies across New York state are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, its members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0500 System-affiliated /case-studies/2016-10-26-improving-nutrition-seniors <p><a href='http://www.hanys.org/tripleaim/case-studies/?a=vs&s=Adirondack_Health_Improves_Nutrition_for_Seniors#Adirondack_Health_Improves_Nutrition_for_Seniors' target='_blank'>Adirondack Health</a> is working with multiple sectors of the community, such as the Franklin County Office for the Aging and the New York State Agriculture & Market Department to provide eligible, low-income seniors with coupons to local farmers markets. Seniors can use these coupons to purchase fresh produce and fresh-cut herbs. This initiative not only promotes healthy eating among seniors by connecting them to nutrition-assistance programs and healthier food options across the community, but also supports the establishment of farmers markets and local businesses, such as roadside stands and community-sponsored agriculture programs. Services like these increase access to healthier foods, impacting the health and well-being of community members.</p> <p> </p> <p>This case study is part of the <a href='http://www.hanys.org/tripleaim/' target='_blank'>HANYS Triple Aim</a> series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care agencies across New York state are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, its members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.</p> Wed, 26 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0500 System-affiliated /chairpersons-file/2016-05-02-right-care-right-time-virtual-care-center <p>Ten years ago, <strong>Mercy</strong> began telemedicine in its ICUs to improve patient outcomes. Today the St. Louis-based health system has opened a four-story virtual care center with an eICU that connects more than 30 ICUs in seven states, plus telestroke and e-hospitalists. The center also houses support services, such as primary and home health, e-pharmacy and on-call nursing, and provides training for staff and a research incubator for new care models. Mercy Virtual Care Center focuses on providing the right level of care at the right time to patients, which improves health outcomes and the patient experience at lower costs. Mercy's telehealth program is able to reach more patients sooner—thereby avoiding resource-intensive interventions, helping patients return home earlier (with length of stay 30 percent to 40 percent lower than expected based on national benchmarks) and saving lives (with mortality rates 35 percent to 40 percent less than expected). The center also proactively monitors patients' conditions, preventing unnecessary hospitalizations. Telehealth initiatives also improve recruitment and retention of clinicians, who can reside in metropolitan areas or less remote locations, increase their patient base and have access to cutting-edge technology.</p> <p>For more information, contact Nancy Corbett, executive director, media relations and social media, integrated marketing, at <a href='mailto:nancy.corbett@mercy.net'>nancy.corbett@mercy.net</a>.</p> <p>HPOE.org features a <a href='../../resources/case-studies/2830' target='_blank'>complete case study on Mercy </a>and on other hospitals and health systems with innovative telehealth programs. More information on telehealth is also available at <a href='/telehealth'>www.aha.org/telehealth</a>.</p> Mon, 02 May 2016 00:00:00 -0500 System-affiliated /chairpersons-file/2016-04-11-hospital-volunteers-lead-way <p>When outpatients at <strong>Summa Health</strong> in Akron, Ohio, were frequently getting lost on their way to appointments on the main hospital's campus, volunteers stepped in to help. The hospital's Volunteer Services team developed a hospital guide volunteer program—Volunteer Voyagers. This program has exceeded expectations: In 2015, 34,949 patients were escorted by volunteers for wayfinding. To recruit volunteers and make the program more fun, Volunteer Services provides pedometers to the volunteers, or voyagers, so steps taken while escorting patients are tracked each day. The total number of steps of all volunteers are added together and converted into miles—2,000 steps equal one mile. Volunteers choose a “destination” goal and now have “walked” from Akron to Miami, New York, Canada, California, Spain, Hawaii and other places. Voyagers celebrate reaching a walking goal with a themed party featuring food and music from the destination, along with a speaker discussing health and wellness issues. The Volunteer Voyagers program benefits patients, provides a valuable service for the health system and actively engages community volunteers, who receive health benefits too. For more information about Summa Health's Volunteer Voyagers, contact Angela Smith, system director, Volunteer Services, at <a href="mailto:smithang@summahealth.org">smithang@summahealth.org</a>.</p><p>April 10-16, 2016, is National Healthcare Volunteer Week. For more information, view a <a href="http://www.hhnmag.com/articles/7081-video-ian-morrison-on-the-role-of-hospital-volunteers-in-health-cares-transformation?utm_source=ChairmansFile&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=AHVRPVolunteerWeek&utm_campaign=AHVRPVolunteerWeekChair">Health Forum video </a>on the role of hospital volunteers in health care transformation.</p> Mon, 11 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0500 System-affiliated /chairpersons-file/2016-01-11-addressing-social-needs-keep-all-patients-healthy <p>To address disparities in health care outcomes, <strong>Main Line Health</strong> is proactively addressing socioeconomic barriers. Led by the chief academic officer, interdisciplinary teams at Main Line Health—a comprehensive health system located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia—have conducted about 25 evidence-based assessments to identify disparities in patient treatment according to insurance status, gender, and racial and ethnic backgrounds. For example, a gastroenterology team assessed whether patients 50 years and older were referred for surveillance colonoscopy as recommended. Though disparities in care treatment were not found, disparities in outcomes—largely due to socioeconomic circumstances, such as lack of transportation—were identified. In response, in 2012 Main Line Health launched the Healthcare Disparities Colloquium, for systemwide community collaboration to help solve these complex problems and track improvements over time. Main Line Health also partnered with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine to establish the Medical Student Advocate program. Second-year PCOM students work with patients at high risk for readmission, delayed care and frequent ED visits. The program not only addresses social barriers to improve health outcomes but also contributes to the development of future health care professionals who are more cognizant of the key social determinants of health.<br />For more information, contact Jack Lynch, president and CEO, at <a href='mailto:LynchJ@mlhs.org'>LynchJ@mlhs.org</a> or Barry Mann, M.D., chief academic officer, at <a href='mailto:MannB@mlhs.org'>MannB@mlhs.org</a>. <br />A case study about Main Line Health is included in “<a href='../../../resources/hpoehretaha-guides/2619' target='_blank'>Diversity in Health Care: Examples from the Field</a>.” Main Line Health is among the organizations that have taken the #123forEquity Pledge to Act to eliminate health care disparities. Visit the <a href='http://www.equityofcare.org'>Equity of Care website </a>for more information about the pledge.</p> Mon, 11 Jan 2016 00:00:00 -0600 System-affiliated /chairpersons-file/2015-12-07-community-collaboration-benefits-teens <p>More and more hospitals and health systems are leading community collaborations to create positive, healthy experiences for young people. In La Crosse, Wisc., <strong>Gundersen Health System</strong> has been collaborating with the YMCA Community Teen Center for seven years. This safe drop-in center—free of tobacco, alcohol and drugs—offers free skill-building and recreational activities geared to the talents, energy and creativity of adolescents. A licensed mental health professional from Gundersen provides ongoing education and support for teen participants, in addition to counseling and referrals for issues related to behavioral health, substance abuse and social concerns. In September, the center's new two-story building opened, with a large multipurpose gathering space, art studio, music room, tutoring office, and kitchen, where everyone pitches in to prepare snacks and clean up afterward. In 2014, the old center drew about 600 youths who made about 7,200 visits. Those numbers are expected to increase substantially in 2015 and beyond.</p> <p>For more information, contact Sarah Johnson, therapist, Gundersen Behavioral Health, at <a href='mailto:SJJohns1@gundersenhealth.org'>SJJohns1@gundersenhealth.org</a>.</p> <p>HPOE.org has more resources on integrating and improving behavioral health and engaging communities to improve health and health care, including:</p> <ul> <li><a href='../../resources/magazinenewspaperwebsite/2567' target='_blank'>Four Ways Hospitals Are Improving Behavioral Health Care </a>(article)</li> <li><a href='../../resources/hpoehretaha-guides/1687' target='_blank'>Hospital-based Strategies for Building a Culture of Health</a> (RWJF/HPOE report)</li> <li><a href='../../resources/hpoehretaha-guides/1588' target='_blank'>Integrating Behavioral Health Across the Continuum of Care </a>(HPOE guide)</li> <li><a href='../../resources/hpoehretaha-guides/1787' target='_blank'>Leadership Toolkit for Redefining the H: Engaging Trustees and Communities</a> (AHA report)</li> </ul> Mon, 07 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0600 System-affiliated