Acquiring and integrating healthcare practices brings unique challenges and opportunities. Beyond the diligence phase, the true work begins—ensuring that the acquisition’s culture, vision, people, processes, and technologies align with the acquiring organization’s mission. At HTLHWorks, we’re helping healthcare clients navigate acquisition harmonization, whether they’re rolling up primary care practices or streamlining cancer care. Here’s a practical guide for post-acquisition success.

1. Establish a Unified Vision

Aligning on a vision is foundational. For example, a primary care roll-up’s goal might be creating accessible, value-based care, while a cancer care acquisition could focus on simplifying patient experiences and enhancing treatment options. Here’s how to bring both visions into alignment with overarching organizational goals:

• Collaborate with Leadership: Early conversations with leaders of both organizations help define shared objectives and tailor a unified vision.
• Establish Clear, Aligned Goals: For a primary care roll-up, this might mean setting targets to improve access across underserved communities. In cancer care, it could involve simplifying patient navigation and integrating supportive care.
• Promote Transparency: Consistently communicate the “why” of the acquisition to all stakeholders, outlining benefits for patients and communities.

2. Integrate and Celebrate Cultures

A cohesive culture is critical, especially in healthcare, where patient outcomes hinge on collaboration and empathy. Cultural integration can be a multi-step process, given that each organization has its unique practices and values.

• Conduct Cultural Assessments: Identify cultural gaps between the two organizations. For instance, are both practices patient-centered, or does one have a more efficiency-driven approach?
• Engage Teams Early: Involve leaders and employees from both sides in workshops to foster trust and a shared cultural identity.
• Celebrate Wins: Recognize and reward early integration successes to boost morale and reinforce a unified culture.

3. Develop and Retain Talented People

Talent retention can be the deciding factor between successful integration and disruptive turnover. Merging teams requires a sensitive approach to ensure that key talent feels valued and invested in the combined organization.

• Identify Key Roles and Talent: Determine which roles are critical to maintaining continuity, and identify individuals who exemplify the organization’s values.
• Create Clear Career Paths: Especially in primary care roll-ups, where talent shortages are common, offering career development paths can encourage retention.
• Foster Open Communication: Provide regular forums where team members can express concerns and insights.

4. Standardize Processes for Efficiency and Consistency

Process integration in healthcare acquisitions can be challenging due to differing approaches to patient care, billing, and operations. Here’s how to approach it:

• Audit Current Processes: Identify areas where practices align and differ. For instance, if the acquired cancer care practice has a unique patient tracking system, explore how it can integrate with existing protocols.
• Prioritize Patient-Centric Processes: Ensure that all process changes enhance patient experience. For example, streamlined intake processes might improve efficiency in a primary care setting.
• Implement Change Gradually: Introduce new processes incrementally to avoid overwhelming staff and patients.

5. Harmonize Technologies for Seamless Operations

Merging technological infrastructures is critical but can also be complex, especially when differing Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and patient portals are involved.

• Assess and Select Compatible Systems: Begin with an audit of existing systems, followed by choosing a single EHR that will be most effective for all parties involved.
• Integrate Data for Comprehensive Care: In the case of a cancer care simplification, enabling shared access to patient data across systems can improve treatment continuity.
• Ensure Cybersecurity and Compliance: Healthcare data is highly sensitive, so verify that the integrated technology meets regulatory standards.

6. Monitor Progress and Refine

Even after the initial integration, it’s crucial to continue monitoring and refining your approach to ensure the acquisition remains aligned with its goals.

• Track Key Metrics: Monitor KPIs related to patient outcomes, employee retention, and operational efficiency.
• Solicit Continuous Feedback: Regular feedback loops with both staff and patients can highlight areas needing improvement.
• Adjust as Needed: Flexibility is essential; adapt processes, technology, and culture integration tactics as the combined organization evolves.

Acquisitions in healthcare are a significant opportunity to improve patient care and operational efficiency. For HTLHWorks clients engaged in primary care roll-ups and cancer care simplification, an intentional approach to harmonizing vision, culture, people, processes, and technology is key to achieving a successful merger that benefits both patients and providers alike.