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Explore the journey of Audrain Medical Center's affiliation experience, the evolving need for partnership, challenges faced, and key lessons learned. Gain insights on stakeholder engagement, timing, consultant selection, communication strategies, and the impact of culture.
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RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE Columbia, Missouri June 5, 2013
Audrain Medical Center’s affiliation experience • In 2004 committed to independence as a sole community hospital but curious about affiliation • In 2008 adopted an “affiliation lite” approach –helpful but no infusion of capital available • In 2012 began pursuit of a full merger in order to secure access to capital and share operating expenses • On April 1, 2013 joined SSM Health Care an 18 hospital system providing services in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin
AMC’s need for affiliation grew over time • Declining demographics in service area (zero population growth, more uninsured, and little growth in per capita income) • Growing competition from tertiary providers (more outmigration of patients) • Reduced access to working capital (ACA, RAC, DSH, Sequester, et al) • Ageing facility • More regulatory requirements (EMR, VBP, ICD10, et al)
Lessons learned at AMC about affiliation • Discuss affiliation with stakeholders well in advance of need • Once the decision is made to pursue a merger it takes 12-15 months to complete so start while you still have sufficient working capital • Select an affiliation consultant carefully (someone who can construct a compelling RFP and negotiate well on your behalf) • Over communicate with stakeholders during the process and after it is completed • Culture trumps strategy (synergy eases the transition process and increases the odds of future success)