How health systems affect care for patients with complex medical needs

Health Systems and High-Need Populations: The Effect of Vertical Integration on Utilization, Spending, and Quality for Medically ComplexPatients

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11002698

This study looks at how combining hospitals and doctors into larger health systems affects the care of patients with complicated health needs, especially those on Medicare, to see if it leads to better care, lower costs, and more efficient services.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11002698 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the integration of hospitals and physician practices into health systems impacts the care of medically complex patients, particularly those on Medicare. It aims to understand whether these health systems improve the quality of care, reduce spending, and enhance utilization for patients with high health needs. By analyzing data from various health systems, the study will identify effective strategies and characteristics that contribute to better outcomes for these patients. The findings will help inform healthcare leaders and policymakers about the implications of health system growth on patient care.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Medicare beneficiaries with multiple health conditions who frequently interact with the healthcare system.

Not a fit: Patients who are not on Medicare or do not have complex medical needs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare delivery and outcomes for medically complex patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that vertical integration in healthcare can lead to higher costs, but the effects on quality and utilization for complex patients remain largely untested.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.