Federation Care Network adds Henry Ford Health System

The Henry Ford Health System just joined the Federation Care Network, extending its reach into Southeast Michigan.

The move comes less than three weeks after Allegiance Health in Jackson — one of the founding members of The Federation — merged with Henry Ford Health System.

Other health systems involved in the clinically integrated network include Bronson Healthcare Group in Kalamazoo, Lakeland Health in St. Joseph, MidMichigan Health in Midland, Sparrow Health System in Lansing, and Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw.

“Henry Ford’s 50-plus years of experience with risk-based contracts and their reputation for clinical quality and efficiency align extremely well with our mission,” said Dr. Bill Mayer, CEO of The Federation.

The six founding health systems came together last year to accelerate improvements in cost and quality by adopting and sharing common standards in an era of accountable care.

The partners plan to integrate their own care networks and have their medical staffs collaborate to share best practices. The notion is that they are better working collectively, rather than on their own, to share risks, improve health, prevent illnesses and address the issues that drive up the cost of care.

“It is a privilege to be part of a network that includes health systems dedicated to making a better, more affordable experience for their patients,” said Wright Lassiter III, the president of Henry Ford Health System.

Lassiter will join The Federation’s 12-member board. The addition of Henry Ford Health System gives The Federation a network that consists of 21 acute care hospitals and more than 7,000 physicians.