RIAFP
Policy Brief: 9/20/07
Will merger threaten primary care?
THE PROPOSED MERGER of Lifespan and Care New England may well herald
a new era in Rhode Island. The union of these organizations makes
the proposed move of the Brown (Warren Alpert) Medical School to the
South Providence area a much more powerful synergy, which potentially
brings together big medicine, big research and high-tech industry.
This collaboration may well be a driver for both health and economic
development in Rhode Island. However, there are some unexpected consequences
of these actions that need to be addressed — particularly the
potential unbalancing of the health-system infrastructure in the state.
The Lifespan–Care New England merger will clearly enhance the
delivery of highly specialized services. Without proper attention,
however, Rhode Island’s already compromised primary-care system
may be further weakened. Without strong primary-care practices, health
insurance in Rhode Island, already expensive, may become downright
unaffordable to most, and Rhode Island’s most vulnerable people
may see their health jeopardized.
Studies of other health-care systems, across the U.S. and around the
world, show that primary care improves health outcomes and reduces
cost. In addition, the role of prevention and preventive services
is increasingly important in protecting the health of the population.
A merged hospital system, with new political clout, and more negotiating
power with insurers, is likely to consume more of our health-care
resources. Might some of these resources be better used to bring communities
and primary-care practices together, and to facilitate everyone getting
involved in prevention and chronic-disease management?
The merged hospital system will also determine the focus of medical-training
programs, which have recently been all too specialty-oriented. The
next generation of primary-care providers needs to be ensured, since
Rhode Islanders will certainly need highly-skilled, knowledgeable,
patient-oriented physicians who will care for their whole physical
and mental health.
A merged hospital system will do a better job of bringing high-tech
jobs and research to Rhode Island.
A vibrant primary-care system will do a better job of keeping us healthy,
and of keeping our health care affordable.
The challenge isn’t in choosing between two good things. The
challenge is to keep our health-care system balanced, so we get the
new high-tech and research jobs and easy access to affordable health
care and preventive services.
The challenge is to speak up, so that our citizens and our public
officials understand the importance of both improving the hospital
system and building vibrant primary care, so Rhode Islanders, and
Rhode Island communities, develop a health-care system that is personal,
affordable, rational, excellent, and just.
The RIAFP welcomes the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in
this brief and any other issues that impact the health of the people
in our state. We can be reached by phone at 401-647-3595, or by e-mail
at info@riafp.org
Authors:
Dr. Jeffrey Borkan & Dr. Mark Jacobs
Response
from Senator Jack Reed.
Dear
Ms McHale:
Thank
you for contacting me regarding the proposed merger of Lifespan and
Care New England. I appreciate your views regarding this important
matter.
Like
you, I believe we must improve our nation's health care system, which
faces a crisis. Health care costs for working families must be reduced,
health care coverage must be expanded, the quality of health care
must be enhanced, and the burden of uncompensated care on Rhode Island
and our nation's hospitals must be reduced.
The
proposed merger is currently under the consideration of the Federal
Trade Commission. I believe the goal of any review or action must
be to maintain a quality hospital system that provides access to care
for all Rhode Islanders.
This
matter is not expected to come before the Senate for approval. However,
given its importance, you can be assured that I am closely monitoring
the review, and will keep your knowledgeable comments in mind as I
continue my work in the Senate to ensure quality, affordable health
care for all Rhode Islanders.
Again,
thank you for contacting me, and do not hesitate to write, call, or
visit my website, www.reed.senate.gov, in the future for information
regarding this or any other matter.
Sincerely,
Jack
Reed
United States Senator
To
send another message please visit my website at www.reed.senate.gov/form-opinion.htm
and fill out the webform for a prompt response. Thank you.
