7 Kansas rural hospitals form network to strengthen independence, advance value-based care

Seven independent rural hospitals have joined forces to launch the Kansas High Value Network, a new collaborative organization designed to expand access to care, improve clinical outcomes and reduce operating costs while preserving local governance. The network’s founding members will serve approximately 190,000 patients across Kansas through a hospital-owned clinically integrated network. 

Hospital leaders say the initiative reflects a growing need for rural providers to gain the advantages of scale without sacrificing their independence. Kansas, which has 92 rural hospitals, ranks second in the nation for the number of rural facilities. Through KS-HVN, participating hospitals will collaborate on clinical and operational strategies, share best practices and pursue joint purchasing opportunities. Network leaders are in discussions with additional rural hospitals interested in joining. “The communities we serve want to keep rural healthcare rural, and close to home,” said KS-HVN Board Chair Edward Herrman, president and CEO of HaysMed. 

A key priority for the new network will be the creation of a Clinical Integration Committee composed of provider representatives from each member hospital. The committee will establish quality metrics, oversee implementation of a clinical data-sharing platform and support care coordination efforts intended to reduce administrative burdens and improve patient outcomes. KS-HVN will also convene operational leaders to identify cost-saving opportunities and share management best practices. The network is partnering with Cibolo Health, a company that supports rural hospital-owned networks nationwide and has helped launch similar organizations in states including North Dakota and Wisconsin.

LEARN MORE