Health system JVs go varsity
A new season is kicking off for health systems—many are stepping onto the innovation field as builders and solution co-owners. Last week, Texas-based health system Baylor Scott & White announced a joint venture (JV) with hybrid behavioral health provider Geode Health to plug growing gaps in low-acuity behavioral health services. Baylor will lean on Geode to tackle its supply-demand mismatch head-on. And it’s not a one-off—Corewell Health recently entered a JV with Quest Diagnostics to overhaul lab services across 21 hospitals and set up a new diagnostic facility. Meanwhile, WellSpan is deepening its strategic co-development partnership with General Catalyst (GC) transformation vehicle HATCo. GC port cos will gain access to WellSpan's tech infrastructure and workforce to refine real-time performance of AI solutions that aim to reclaim clinical hours, improve patient outcomes, and deliver better financial margins.
The takeaway is clear: distribution is becoming less "through" health systems and more "with" health systems. To score a touchdown in the health system market, innovators will have to become indispensable expert partners in specific pain points—treating providers as both customers and co-builders just might be what it takes to win.
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We’re excited to convene the Innovation Fellows at Rock Health Summit on September 30. Don’t miss out—register today to join us in-person or virtually.
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