Tony Thrasher, DO, president of the Wisconsin Psychiatric Association and medical director of crisis services for Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division, spoke with Becker’s about less-discussed problems with healthcare consolidation.
Note: Response has been edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Question: What’s a headwind or obstacle you’re seeing that people aren’t talking about?
Dr. Tony Thrasher: The rise in consolidation of large healthcare system mergers. Much like the NCAA, there may be pros and cons to “super-conferences,” but I worry more about the cons. A dedicated, caring, invested workforce is the focus of all healthcare systems; there is worry that these mergers will lead to more of that work force not working in said systems, or having dissatisfaction that then leads to poorer outcomes.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place October 20–22 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
