Ascension (company)

Ascension is the world’s largest Catholic health system^[1] and the largest non-profit health system in the US ^[2][3] with facilities in 23 states and the District of Columbia. It is a faith-based collaboration of hospitals, medical practices, and innovators that shares best practices and the goal of creating healthier communities across the U.S. through community outreach ^[4] and researching ways to cut healthcare costs.^[5]

In its fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, Ascension provided $1.8 billion for community benefit programs and care for people living in poverty.^[6] Ascension subsidiaries provide a variety of services and solutions including health care delivery, physician practice management, venture capital investing, treasury management, biomedical engineering, clinical care management, information services, risk management, and contracting through Ascension’s own group purchasing organization.

History

Ascension Health was created on November 1, 1999, by the union of the Daughters of Charity National Health System that was based in St. Louis, Missouri, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Health System that was based in Nazareth, Michigan.^[7] In December 2002, Carondelet Health System, which was based in St. Louis, Missouri, joined Ascension Health.

In January 2012, Ascension Health began operating as a subsidiary under a new organizational structure and a new parent holding company, Ascension, led by Anthony R. Tersigni, EdD, FACHE, former President and CEO of Ascension Health.^[8] In 2012, Alexian Brothers Health System joined Ascension.^[9] In 2013, Marian Health System joined Ascension.^[10]

Subsidiaries

1. Ascension Ministry Service Center

The Ascension Ministry Service Center (MSC) works with Ascension process partners to provide services such as human resources, supply chain management, finance and travel.^[11]

2. Ascension Investment Management

Ascension Investment Management is an investment adviser for Ascension and non-Ascension clients, including Catholic and non-Catholic institutional investors with a focus on socially responsible investments.^[12] In March 2012, Ascension Investment Management officially became a registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).^[13]

3. The Resource Group

The Resource Group, a contracting and purchasing subsidiary, delivers sustainable value realization by engaging end users at the beginning of the contracting process and following through to implementation of initiatives.

4. Ascension Risk Services

Ascension Risk Services manages traditional commercial and self-insured risk management functions and works across Ascension to both identify and manage emerging risks in an effort to transform and diversify Ascension’s ministries.

5. Ascension Information Services

Ascension Information Services (AIS) is one of the largest healthcare IT services companies in North America. AIS has over 2,400 employees^[14] and works with Ascension’s affiliates to determine ways to improve services, cut costs, and improve operating efficiencies within each ministry.^[14][15]

6. Ascension Holdings

Ascension Holdings develops and manages services and solutions designed to increase the performance of Ascension, Catholic and faith-based health care, and the wider health care industry. [LINK] The Ascension Holdings portfolio includes TriMedx, LLC; TriMedx International; Medxcel Facilities Management; Axess Ultrasound; and eProtex.

7. Ascension Health

Ascension Health, based in St. Louis, is the health care delivery arm of Ascension. Its health care focus includes hospitals, outpatient centers, long-term care, senior care, home health care and more.

8. Ascension Clinical Holdings

Ascension Clinical Holdings works to improve operational efficiency and decrease costs for both patients and providers across Ascension.

9. Ascension Global Mission

Ascension Global Mission was created to formally expand Ascension’s Mission to developing countries. It aligns the Ascension ministry with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health System Strengthening Initiative Framework (HSSI Framework)^[16] by collaborating with global and local partners in the communities it serves.

10. Ascension Ventures

Ascension Ventures is a strategic healthcare venture fund focused on the medical device, technology, and services sector^[17] with $550 million in assets under management.^[18]

11. Ascension Care Management

Ascension Care Management is devoted to finding ways to improve the health status of individuals and communities and reduce healthcare costs through more effective care coordination.

References