Consequently, New York patients will not necessarily have to fly to Cleveland for all heart procedures. Cleveland Clinic and North Shore-LIJ will work together to share best practices, coordinate care and develop programs to improve quality and safety outcomes.
Lytle said this type of alliance—called the Cardiovascular Specialty Network—is essential as providers increasingly work together to manage chronic conditions and improve outcomes for their respective populations. North Shore-LIJ has a “history of continuous process improvement,” Lytle said. “They also realize, as we do, that none of us are perfect, and they have the capacity to get better. That's a cultural fit.”
The clinic also said the partnership will advance the triple-aim mentality. “As the delivery of healthcare continues to evolve and medicine moves from an art to a science, it's crucial that healthcare organizations maintain databases to track clinical measures and quality standards,” Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgrove said in a statement. “This is how healthcare becomes safer, less expensive and more efficient.”
Dr. Stanley Katz, North Shore-LIJ's senior vice president of cardiovascular services, said the affiliation will be a “huge differentiator in a market well-regarded for the quality of cardiac care.”
Brian Maher, practice manager of the Advisory Board Co.'s cardiovascular division, said that's true. While Cleveland Clinic benefits by extending its presence into local and metropolitan areas—possibly attracting referrals for the highest-acuity heart and vascular services—systems such as North Shore-LIJ are able to use the Clinic's brand and expertise to improve their own heart programs.
