The goal of horizontal integration in healthcare is to:

Horizontal integration in healthcare primarily focuses on consolidating the same type of healthcare providers. This strategy allows organizations to expand their market presence and achieve economies of scale by bringing together providers that offer similar health services. By merging or acquiring similar facilities, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, healthcare organizations can streamline operations, enhance service offerings, and increase their bargaining power with suppliers and payers.

This consolidation can lead to improved efficiencies and more standardized care across a network of facilities. It also enables organizations to better manage resources and share best practices among similar providers, enhancing overall quality and patient outcomes.

While options like merging with insurance providers, providing a wider array of services, or enhancing patient education programs are valuable in their own rights, they are not the primary focus of horizontal integration, which is specifically about consolidating the same types of healthcare service providers.