
The CVS-Aetna deal may be bad news for the nation’s hospitals, and medical providers, as well.
The CVS-Aetna deal is one of the largest healthcare mergers in history, and while consolidation has generally not been good for patients, this one may be an exception. The merger could lead to reduced costs, a benefit for consumers.
A recent Forbes article noted: the deal is designed to keep patients out of the hospital for as much care as possible while escalating the move away from fee-for-service medicine to value-based care.
CVS plans to expand services in its pharmacies and retail clinics, and even deliver care to customers’ homes as a way to capture patients in lower cost settings and save premium dollars paid by Aetna clients, employers and those covered by Medicare and Medicaid insurance.
Although many hospitals now operate urgent care centers, the megamerger will give the retail pharmacy 22 million health plan members who can take advantage of its 1,100 retail clinics, notes Forbes.
The new deal may prove costly to physician practices, as well. The merger will increase competition and provide more choices for patients who need preventive care and urgent care services.
5 things to know about the CVS-Aetna deal
Recent articles by the AJC.com and FierceHealthcare describe some of the key facts about how the merger will impact medical providers and hospitals:
Competing with the big guys
Retail healthcare has continued to expand. The majority of consumers using those services have their own primary care physician but are attracted to walk-in clinics for their speed and convenience.
Tired of seeing patients going to competitors who offered walk-in care, opening your own walk-in clinic to allow patients access to care they need quickly and shorter waiting periods, may be something to consider.
What does this mean for your practice?
If you’re interested in learning more about funding options to grow your practice, talk to Aquina today and see how we can help.