Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is this new vision necessary for Minnesota?

Why is this new vision necessary for Minnesota?

This proposed framework for a solution responds to Minnesota’s most pressing healthcare challenges: increasing costs; flat or declining reimbursement; limited access; critical workforce shortages; and structural inequities that amplify health disparities. 

Compassionate, world-class care that is seamless and integrated can and should be delivered close to home when patients need it the most. Existing doctor-patient relationships can and should remain intact. Physicians and other health professionals can and should be able to maintain fulfilling clinical careers in service to patients from across the state, nation and world.

How would this proposed framework benefit patients?

How would this proposed framework benefit patients?

Minnesota patients know well the challenges of healthcare delivery in our state and most agree the status quo is not the answer. This bold vision for an integrated solution would address these issues head-on by creating a new approach to health that takes full advantage of the University of Minnesota’s unique teaching, research, outreach and service mission and combines it with Essentia’s success in urban and rural settings.  In particular, it would:

  • Bridge gaps in access across rural, urban, suburban and Tribal communities;
  • Integrate telehealth and mobile health services to ensure specialized care is accessible to all;
  • Provide high-quality, compassionate care within patients’ own communities, reducing the need for long-term travel;
  • Focus on comforting and supportive environments for patients and their families;
  • Focus on ways to keep existing doctor-patient relationships intact, ensuring continuity of care;
  • Foster a positive and hopeful approach that allows patients to arrive with hope and leave with a sense of well-being.

Would Fairview and the existing partners of the University and Essentia be involved?

Would Fairview and the existing partners of the University and Essentia be involved?

We have invited Fairview Health Services to join us in forging this new entity and creating a seamless system of care that can best support the needs of patients and all Minnesotans. This is just the start of many transparent and comprehensive discussions we will have, as we work collaboratively with all our existing partners who want to engage to envision a brighter future for healthcare in the communities we are so privileged to serve.

How will other systems be involved—as full affiliate partners or otherwise?

How will other systems be involved—as full affiliate partners or otherwise?

It is too early to say, but we will continue to have comprehensive conversations about how to bring the best qualities of those who come together through this bold vision.

What are some of the ways this vision, if realized, would allow its members to innovate on behalf of patients?

What are some of the ways this vision, if realized, would allow its members to innovate on behalf of patients?

  • Education of the health professionals all Minnesotans need: more innovation and sustainable models would be developed while continuing to focus on the idea of “Born, Lived or Trained” — the idea that providers are most likely to stay and practice where they are Born, Lived, or Trained.
  • Clinical partnerships to deliver care close to home in rural areas — These are necessary to provide access for all Minnesotans, to facilitate “aging in place,” and to reduce burdens on families and caregivers.
  • Support for a strong and aligned tertiary and quaternary care partner to enhance the integration of care for people and communities.
  • Sustainable local access to specialty care where appropriate and feasible. This need is increasing faster than capacity can be developed using current models of care as our aging population grows.
     

How much will it cost to make this vision successful?

How much will it cost to make this vision successful?

The proposed new solution would invest $1 billion over five years to bring this vision to life. This would be possible by leveraging the assets of the combined proposed system to unlock financing in addition to engaging philanthropic support inspired by this shared vision for a not-for-profit all-Minnesota health solution.

The newly formed, integrated health framework would open the door to significant re-investment opportunities in the University of Minnesota’s on- and near-campus medical facilities and across Essentia Health, as well as with our partners, to increase access to specialized care uniquely available through a university health system.

When would this vision be realized in clinics and hospitals?

When would this vision be realized in clinics and hospitals?

There are many pieces to establish, but our hope is to implement this proposed vision in 2026 – before the current University of Minnesota and Fairview Health Services contract ends.

For University of Minnesota and M Physicians:

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Will this initiative involve other University programs beyond the Medical School?

Will this initiative involve other University programs beyond the Medical School?

Yes, realizing this vision would involve all of the University’s health sciences schools: medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, public health, and veterinary medicine. This proposed partnership would also enable us to enhance interprofessional education and service outreach across other parts of the University.

What does this mean for M Physicians employees, including non-clinical staff?

What does this mean for M Physicians employees, including non-clinical staff?

This proposal would create the kind of growing, vibrant, well-managed, and culturally-aligned system employees have been seeking.

The University is a resource held in the public trust for all of Minnesota. Limiting its health footprint to a limited area is not sufficient to serve Minnesota in the comprehensive manner that its mission and vision aspire to—and the people of Minnesota need and expect.

For patients and all Minnesotans

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What do these changes mean for patients today and in the immediate future?

What do these changes mean for patients today and in the immediate future?

Our vision puts patient care first, and there will be no disruptions to patient care or physician relationships in the meantime. Our priorities remain the same: high-quality, accessible patient care while supporting the health professionals across our organizations so they can do what they do best – care for patients.

How long will it be before patients notice the impact/benefits of this vision?

How long will it be before patients notice the impact/benefits of this vision?

Our goal is to ensure a seamless experience for all patients currently in our care throughout this process. Essentia Health’s energy and relationships across Greater Minnesota and the strong, academically-oriented system our academic and community physicians and clinical teams have worked hard to build for patients in the Twin Cities would provide access to a unique level of care each patient needs right when they need it.

Regarding Essentia Health

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What’s prompting Essentia Health to be part of this conversation?

What’s prompting Essentia Health to be part of this conversation?

Essentia Health brings an impressive track record of high-quality and responsive care – both in Duluth and other large communities and in rural areas across Northern Minnesota. It operates a major, brand new, state-of-the-art hospital in Duluth and is investing further in rural health delivery. Essentia has also demonstrated exceptional skill in managing costs to keep the cost of care down, while creating an aligned culture among physicians, staff, and administrators.

To continue — and extend — these benefits to more of the state, a bold “all-Minnesota” solution is necessary.

Regarding Fairview Health Services

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How would this vision benefit Fairview Health Services’ community physicians?

How would this vision benefit Fairview Health Services’ community physicians?

Fairview’s community physicians would play an important role in making this bold new vision successful and stand to benefit in ways that other physicians and health professionals would experience in a new integrated, seamless system. These benefits include sustaining the patient relationships they have worked so hard to build, ensuring ease of referrals and continuity of care for their patients, participating in value-based care arrangements, and other emerging opportunities to expand and strengthen relationships with a broader set of specialty physicians and other health care colleagues.