Nebraska may be known for its wide-open plains and agricultural heritage, but when it comes to healthcare, the Cornhusker State is also home to some of the nation’s most impressive Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). According to the American Hospital Association, Nebraska’s hospitals collectively handle over 1.6 million outpatient visits each year, a testament to the state’s strong healthcare infrastructure. In this guide, we’ll break down the top hospital IDNs in Nebraska, spotlight their specialties, and show you why these networks are essential for delivering high-quality patient care.
What Are Hospital IDNs and Why They Matter
An Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) is a healthcare organization that owns and manages multiple components of the care continuum—ranging from hospitals and physician groups to specialized outpatient centers. IDNs streamline care delivery, improve patient outcomes, and often reduce healthcare costs by centralizing administrative functions and coordinating patient information across facilities.
- Coordinated Care: By connecting primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals under a single umbrella, IDNs ensure patients receive timely, coordinated treatment.
- Cost Efficiency: Shared resources and economies of scale can help control healthcare expenses, benefiting both patients and providers.
- Quality Improvement: IDNs can quickly implement new treatment protocols or best practices across multiple locations, improving patient outcomes.
In Nebraska, IDNs have played a crucial role in ensuring care is accessible—even for those living in rural areas. Below, we’ll explore some of the top IDNs shaping the state’s healthcare landscape.
CHI Health
CHI Health, part of CommonSpirit Health, is one of the largest healthcare systems in the region. With 14 acute care hospitals and more than 150 clinic locations, CHI Health serves patients across Nebraska and parts of southwest Iowa.
- Statewide Reach: Over 12,000 employees and 2,000 medical staff members offer a broad range of services, including primary care, women’s health, oncology, and cardiology.
- Specialized Care: CHI Health’s Heart & Vascular Institute is renowned for pioneering cardiac care programs in Nebraska.
- Research & Innovation: They frequently partner with Creighton University for medical research and education, helping advance cutting-edge treatments.
For more information, visit CHI Health’s official website.
Nebraska Medicine
Nebraska Medicine is an academic health system affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). It operates a highly regarded medical center and a network of primary, specialty, and urgent care clinics.
- Academic Excellence: In partnership with UNMC, Nebraska Medicine has been ranked among the top hospitals nationwide for cancer treatment, neurology, and neurosurgery.
- Comprehensive Services: With nearly 1,000 physicians and 809 licensed hospital beds, the system handles everything from routine check-ups to transplants and advanced surgeries.
- National Recognition: Nebraska Medicine was at the forefront of treating highly infectious diseases, earning global recognition for its biocontainment unit during the Ebola crisis.
Learn more by visiting Nebraska Medicine’s official website.
Bryan Health
Bryan Health is a locally governed, nonprofit healthcare system that serves patients from across the state. Known for its patient-centric philosophy, Bryan Health consistently ranks high in patient satisfaction surveys.
- Two-Campus Hospital: Bryan Medical Center comprises two primary campuses in Lincoln, with a combined capacity of 672 beds.
- Specialty Focus: Bryan Heart, a service line within the network, employs over 20 cardiologists dedicated exclusively to heart health.
- Community Support: Bryan Health invests in community health outreach, offering educational programs and free or low-cost wellness screenings.
For a deeper look at Bryan Health’s services, visit Bryan Health’s official website.
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha stands out as a leading pediatric care institution, not just in Nebraska but throughout the Midwest.
- Pediatric Specialty Care: From cardiology to orthopedics, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center has over 50 pediatric specialty clinics.
- Family-Centered Approach: The facility prioritizes family involvement in care decisions, with dedicated programs to support parents and siblings.
- Pediatric Research: Children’s actively participates in clinical trials and research, contributing to advancements in pediatric medicine globally.
Find out more at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center’s website.
Great Plains Health
Located in North Platte, Great Plains Health serves a large portion of central and western Nebraska. This acute-care hospital system boasts a 116-bed facility and a robust network of specialized clinics.
- Rural Outreach: Great Plains Health’s telehealth initiatives help bridge the care gap for patients in remote communities.
- Dedicated Services: Key focus areas include orthopedics, oncology, and emergency services, backed by board-certified specialists.
- Community Impact: It’s one of the largest employers in western Nebraska, contributing significantly to local economic growth.
Explore their services on Great Plains Health’s official website.
Mary Lanning Healthcare
Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings is another standout IDN in Nebraska, featuring a 183-bed acute care hospital and a network of rural health clinics.
- Longstanding Legacy: Founded in 1915, Mary Lanning has over a century of experience delivering healthcare services to central Nebraska.
- Robust Specialties: Its comprehensive care offerings include obstetrics, surgery, mental health services, and more.
- Collaboration & Innovation: Partnering with the University of Nebraska Medical Center allows for advanced training and research opportunities.
Learn more about Mary Lanning’s facilities at Mary Lanning Healthcare’s official website.
The Future of IDNs in Nebraska
With Nebraska’s population nearing two million residents, the demand for high-quality healthcare continues to rise. A 2023 study by the Nebraska Hospital Association reported that more than 62% of hospitals statewide are part of an IDN—a figure expected to grow in the coming years. As the healthcare industry evolves, especially with technological advances and the push for value-based care, IDNs will likely continue to expand their reach and capabilities.
- Telemedicine Growth: Expect more telehealth options to make specialized care more accessible in rural regions.
- Value-Based Care: IDNs are increasingly adopting payment models that reward high-quality, cost-effective treatment.
- Collaborative Research: Academic partnerships will continue to fuel innovation, bringing new therapies and treatments to patients faster.
Conclusion
From CHI Health’s extensive network to Nebraska Medicine’s academic-driven approach, the state’s hospital IDNs offer comprehensive care designed to meet the diverse needs of Nebraskans. By focusing on coordination, efficiency, and innovation, these networks are setting the standard for exceptional healthcare delivery—not just in Nebraska, but across the nation.
Whether you’re a local resident exploring your healthcare options or a medical professional seeking a dynamic work environment, Nebraska’s top IDNs have a lot to offer. By staying informed and leveraging the resources provided by these integrated systems, you can ensure you and your loved ones receive the best possible care.
Disclaimer: The statistics and facts presented in this post are based on publicly available data as of this writing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult the respective healthcare networks’ official websites.
